Hyperthyroidism associated with an increased risk for infection: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Infection risk associated with hyperthyroidism although not uncommon, may present with increased mortality if left untreated. The role of hyperthyroidism and its risk for infection is primarily due to the hypermetabolic effect on the body. Modification to the sympathetic nervous system produces a downregulation of the neutrophil response towards the sites of inflammation and/or infection. Consequently, remarkably increasing the risk for complications of infections to occur i.e., bacterial pneumonia. Case Report: A 34-year-old Caucasian female presented to the emergency room complaining of tachycardia, isolated systolic hypertension, tremors, dyspnea, fever, chills, and productive cough with yellow-brown sputum for five days. She reported several similar episodes have occurred in the past. A clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism with thyroid storm induced pneumonia was made by the physician and the patient was admitted to the ICU for treatment and close monitoring. Urinary antigen testing detected a positive result for Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal pneumonia to confirm the pneumonia and treatment was initiated. Conclusion: The role of hyperthyroidism and its risk for infection causes devastating infectious complications, such as pneumonia, an example that this patient experienced along with having similar episodes in the past but without causality to account for why they are recurrent. Clinical suspicion for diagnosing hyperthyroidism will vastly aid in the management of patient's more effectively and hopefully avoid any infectious complication that may result. It is entirely important that these patients should be closely monitored to help prevent any further complications that may present upon admission.