Burch-Wartofsky Point Scale (BWPS) for Thyrotoxicosis
Predicts likelihood that biochemical thyrotoxicosis is thyroid storm.
Use in patients ≥18 years old with biochemical thyrotoxicosis.
Advice
- BWPS ≥45 is highly suggestive of thyroid storm; consider rapid and aggressive multimodal management in ICU.
- BWPS 25-44 suggests impending thyroid storm; consider thionamides, symptom management. Consider ICU monitoring.
- BWPS <25 is unlikely to represent thyroid storm; investigate diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis (Graves disease, toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, subacute thyroiditis, exogenous levothyroxine, struma ovarii) and obtain additional imaging (thyroid ultrasound, radioactive iodine uptake and scan).
Management
Search for potential precipitant(s) of thyroid storm: infection, thyroidal/nonthyroidal surgery, medications (anesthetics, pseudoePHEDrine, amiodarone), iodinated contrast exposure, DKA, exogenous thyroid hormone, CVA, MI, PE.
- Target treatment towards thyroid hormone formation, release, and adrenergic action:
- Anti-thyroid drug therapy (propylthiouracil, methIMAzole).
- Potassium iodine.
- Beta-blockade (propranolol, esmolol).
- Corticosteroid (hydrocortisone).
- Supportive care (fluids, acetaminophen).
- ICU level care.
Critical Actions
- Iodine therapy should be administered at least 1 hour AFTER thionamides to prevent stimulation of new thyroid hormone synthesis.
- Avoid aspirin because it displaces T4 from thyroid binding globulin, resulting in increase of free T4.
- TItrate beta blockers carefully as excessive doses in thyrotoxic patients can cause cardiovascular collapse.
- Besides reducing T4 to T3 conversion, steroids provide adrenal support, which can be impaired in thyroid storm.