The development of thyroid storm in a child with McCune-Albright syndrome after orthopedic surgery

S. T. Lawless, G. Reeves and J. R. Bowen
Department of Anesthesia/Critical Care, Alfred I. duPont Institute, Wilmington, DE 19899.

OBJECTIVE--To report a case of thyroid storm that developed in a child with McCune-Albright syndrome after orthopedic surgery. The development of thyroid storm has not previously been described after surgery in a child. DESIGN--Descriptive case report. SETTING--Pediatric intensive care unit. PARTICIPANT--Patient with McCune-Albright syndrome who developed thyroid storm. SELECTION PROCEDURES AND INTERVENTIONS--Clinical features and treatment of thyroid storm are described. A highly sensitive immunochemiluminometric thyroid-stimulating hormone assay to help diagnose hyperthyroid states is also described. CONCLUSIONS--Before all operative procedures, children at high risk for thyroid dysfunction, including patients with McCune-Albright syndrome, should be screened and observed closely for the development of thyroid storm.