Emergencies of Endocrinology in Pregnancy and Labor

Thyrotoxic crisis, or thyroid storm, is a rare and potentially morbid complication of pregnancy labor. It is a serious hypermetabolic condition that can occur when hyperthyroidism of pregnancy is not or is inadequately treated. The term “crisis” describes the severity of this clinical condition, as well as the impact of excess circulation thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Morbidity ranges between 10% and 30%. The exact pathophysiology is not yet clarified. Nevertheless, labor itself is a stressful situation, emotionally and physically, and in some cases the necessity of a Caesareanz section may promote adrenergic functions [1]. Moreover, thyroid storm may follow an etiological event, such as infection, surgery, trauma, thrombosis and diabetic ketoacidosis [2].