Objectives: Although there have been associations between diabetes and mortality in COVID-19 patients, it is unclear whether this is driven by the disease itself or whether it can be attributed to an inability to exhibit effective glucose control. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 292 patients admitted to a tertiary referral center to assess the association of mortality and glycemic control among COVID-19-positive patients. We used a logistic regression model to determine whether average fasting glycemic levels were associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: Among the diabetic and non-diabetic patients, there were no differences between mortality or length of stay. Mean glucose levels in the first 10 days of admission were higher on average among those who died (150–185 mg/dL) compared with those who survived (125–165 mg/dL). When controlling for multiple variables, there was a significant association between mean fasting glucose and mortality (odds ratio = 1.014, p < 0.001). The associations between glucose and mortality remained when controlled for comorbidities and glucocorticoid use. Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study show an association between mortality and inpatient glucose levels, suggesting that there may be some benefit to tighter glucose control in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Thyroid storm is a rare endocrine emergency with a high mortality rate approaching 20%. It manifests with the exaggerated symptoms of hyperthyroidism including hyperpyrexia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. The mainstay of treatment includes supportive intensive care and initiation of thionamides, beta blockers, corticosteroids, and if necessary anti-arrhythmics in the presence of refractory ventricular arrhythmias. We describe a case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm leading to refractory ventricular tachycardias treated with plasmapheresis when anti-arrhythmic therapy became contraindicated. Amiodarone-induced thyroid storm can lead to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Under the circumstances of limited medical therapies, plasmapheresis can be an effective treatment option.
59-year-old female with PMH of Bipolar disorder and Pituitary macroadenoma presented to the ER yesterday for worsening Headache associated with nausea, vomiting and double vision. Detailed imaging of the pituitary gland demonstrated a hypo enhancing sellar and suprasellar mass extending asymmetric to the right, appears to fill and expand the right cavernous sinus. This was associated with T2 hypo intensity. The hypo enhancing mass measured around 2.9 cm AP by 2.7 cm transverse by 3.5 cm CC, previously 2.9×2.4×3.1 cm. Of note, she was found to have this pituitary macroadenoma non-functional on prior testing. Important to note that she had history of bipolar disorder and it was refractory to many medications and was started on Lithium 10 months prior to this presentation. She underwent Image Guided Endoscopic Trans nasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumor with reconstruction with Nasoseptal Flap, Lumbar Drain Placement, and Injection of Intrathecal Fluorescein Dye. Her postoperative course was complicated by Central DI and was started on DDAVP treatment. Eventually she developed Panhypopituitarism and needed Levothyroxine and Hydrocortisone replacement therapy. She had a prolonged hospital course due to post-surgical meningitis resulting in fever and encephalopathy. She had persistent hypernatremia and lithium was discontinued given the fact she was found to be in Nephrogenic DI and her hypernatremia requiring intravenous D5 water fluid treatment for a brief period.
Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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