Pediatric Patient With Altered Mental Status and Hypoxemia: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Myxedema coma, a severe manifestation of hypothyroidism, is exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric critical care.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old girl presented with hypoxemia and altered mental status.
• The patient was diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism and myxedema coma.
• The condition occurred in the context of an acute influenza infection.

Findings:

• This case underscores the rarity of myxedema coma in childhood.
• Influenza infection can precipitate myxedema coma in susceptible pediatric patients.
• Severe hypothyroidism requires urgent recognition and intervention.

Implications:

• Myxedema coma should be included in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients with altered mental status and organ dysfunction.
• Early identification of severe hypothyroidism is vital in pediatric emergency settings.
• This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of rare endocrine emergencies in children.