Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association
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Case Reports
Rectal administration of iodide and propylthiouracil in the treatment of thyroid storm.
We administered potassium iodide and propylthiouracil per rectum, in conjunction with intravenous dexamethasone and propranolol, for emergent treatment of a patient in thyroid storm with small bowel obstruction. Shortly after initiation of this treatment, the patient successfully underwent two emergent surgical procedures for resection of an intestinal volvulus with advanced peritonitis. ⋯ Parenteral iodide preparations have been unavailable in the past, and continue to be difficult to obtain emergently. Rectal administration of inorganic iodide is an effective, readily available and less expensive alternative to parenteral sodium iodide for patients in thyroid storm with upper gastrointestinal tract dysfunction.