Summary:
Endocrine emergencies represent a group of potentially lifethreatening
conditions that are frequently overlooked,
resulting in delays in both diagnosis and treatment, factors
that further contribute to their already high associated
mortality rates. Although endocrine emergencies are often
encountered in patients with a known endocrinopathy, the
emergency may be the initial presentation in previously
undiagnosed individuals. If these endocrine disorders are
not rapidly identified or if specific treatment is delayed,
significant complications or even death may occur. Careful
evaluation of clinical history and a high degree of suspicion
are the corner stone to diagnose such problems. Aggressive
management of the patient is equally important as the
complications are devastating and can prove highly fatal.
The present article is an attempt to review some of the common
endocrine emergencies in intensive care unit and the
challenges associated with their diagnosis and management.
Keywords: Endocrine emergencies, Critically ill, Evaluation,
Management.
(J Banagladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33: 146-155)