Free Thyroxine Concentrations in Thyroid Storm

  1. MARION H. BROOKS, M.D.; and
  2. SHELDON S. WALDSTEIN, M.D.
  1. Maywood and Chicago, Illinois
    .

    Abstract

    Total serum thyroxine concentrations, the dialyzable fractions of total thyroxine, and absolute free thyroxine concentrations were measured in six patients with thyroid storm, in 15 patients with uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis, and in 19 normal subjects. Total thyroxine concentrations were similar in both thyrotoxic groups. However, the mean dialyzable fraction of thyroxine and the mean free thyroxine concentration were significantly higher in patients with thyroid storm than in patients with uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis (0.060 ±0.017% versus 0.026 ± 0.006% and 10.9 ± 3.8 ng/dL versus 4.7 ± 1.4 ng/dL, respectively). These findings suggest that events precipitating thyroid storm may act with thyrotoxicosis to decrease thyroxine binding markedly and result in a sharp increase in free thyroxine concentration. These phenomena may play a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid storm.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Sections of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Departments of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, and Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; Illinois.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Marion H. Brooks, M.D.; Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue; Maywood, IL 60153.

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    1. Ann Intern Med November 1, 1980 vol. 93 no. 5 694-697
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