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Endocrine Emergencies | Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road

Endocrine Emergencies

Endocrine Emergencies | Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road

Endocrine emergencies arise from severe hormonal imbalances that can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications such as shock, coma, or multi-organ failure. Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), adrenal crisis, thyroid storm, and severe hypoglycemia demand immediate medical intervention to restore metabolic stability. Without prompt treatment, these conditions can escalate, causing irreversible organ damage or even death.

Emergency management begins with rapid assessment and diagnostic tests, including blood glucose levels, electrolyte panels, arterial blood gas analysis, and hormone level evaluations. Depending on the specific condition, intravenous fluids, insulin therapy, steroid replacement, and electrolyte correction are the cornerstones of treatment. At Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road, Bangalore, we follow evidence-based protocols to ensure precise, timely care for endocrine crises, preventing complications and improving outcomes.

Essential treatments for endocrine emergencies include:

  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Management: DKA occurs due to severe insulin deficiency, leading to high blood sugar, ketone accumulation, and metabolic acidosis. Treatment involves aggressive fluid resuscitation to correct dehydration, intravenous insulin to lower blood glucose levels, and electrolyte replacement, particularly potassium, to prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Close monitoring of acid-base balance and glucose levels ensures a controlled recovery.

  • Adrenal Crisis Treatment: Adrenal crisis results from acute cortisol deficiency, often seen in patients with Addison’s disease or adrenal suppression. Symptoms include severe hypotension, confusion, and shock. Immediate administration of intravenous hydrocortisone, saline infusions, and dextrose helps stabilize blood pressure, correct electrolyte imbalances, and prevent multi-organ failure. Without rapid treatment, adrenal crisis can be fatal.

  • Thyroid Storm Intervention: A thyroid storm is a life-threatening escalation of hyperthyroidism, causing dangerously high heart rate, fever, and altered mental status. Emergency management includes beta-blockers (such as propranolol) to control heart rate, antithyroid medications (like propylthiouracil or methimazole) to reduce hormone production, and supportive therapy with cooling measures and intravenous fluids. Early intervention prevents cardiovascular collapse and neurological complications.

  • Severe Hypoglycemia Reversal: Critically low blood sugar can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma. Immediate intravenous glucose administration or intramuscular glucagon injection rapidly restores blood sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitoring and dietary adjustments prevent recurrent hypoglycemia, particularly in diabetic patients.

Endocrine emergencies arise from severe hormonal imbalances that can rapidly lead to life-threatening complications such as shock, coma, or multi-organ failure. Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), adrenal crisis, thyroid storm, and severe hypoglycemia demand immediate medical intervention to restore metabolic stability.

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