What is the most appropriate management for a 29-year-old lady presenting with palpitations and excessive sweating, suspected of a thyroid crisis?

Study for the PLAB Endocrinology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In the context of a suspected thyroid crisis, commonly known as a thyroid storm, the management focuses on rapidly controlling symptoms and addressing the underlying hyperthyroidism. Palpitations and excessive sweating are classic symptoms that result from the increased metabolic state due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.

Beta blockers are particularly appropriate in this scenario as they serve multiple purposes. They can quickly alleviate symptoms such as palpitations by reducing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Additionally, beta blockers inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to the more active T3, helping to mitigate the effects of high thyroid hormone levels during a thyroid crisis.

On the other hand, amiodarone primarily functions as an antiarrhythmic medication and is typically used in conditions involving tachyarrhythmias rather than as a first-line treatment for hyperthyroid symptoms. Adenosine is used for acute termination of certain types of supraventricular tachycardia but has no effect on managing thyroid-related symptoms. Flecainide is also an antiarrhythmic agent and is not suitable for addressing thyroid storm specifics.

Thus, the extensive symptom relief, particularly for cardiovascular manifestations and the role in thyroid hormone modulation, makes beta blockers the most appropriate management choice in this situation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy