Thyroid storm in the second stage of labour: a case report

Abstract

A thyroid storm (or thyroid crisis) is an emergency in endocrinology. It is a form of complication of hyperthyroidism that can be life-threatening. Inadequate control of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy could develop into thyroid storm, especially in the peripartum period. We present a woman came in the second stage of labour, with thyroid storm, superimposed pre-eclampsia, acute lung oedema and impending respiratory failure. Treatment for thyroid storm, pre-eclampsia protocol and corticosteroid was delivered. The baby was born uneventfully, while the mother was discharged after 5 days of hospitalisation. Delivery is an important precipitant in the development of thyroid storm in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Although very rare, it can cause severe consequences. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for thyroid storm were available and should be done aggressively and immediately. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism should be prevented by adequate control in thyroid hormone levels, especially before the peripartum period.