In adults presenting with acute confusion is thyroid test effective at diagnosing thyroid dysfunction as a cause of the confusion?
Date First Published:
July 5, 2010
Last Updated:
July 8, 2010
Report by:
Rachel Alstead, Medical Student (MRI)
Three-Part Question:
In [adults presenting with acute confusion]is [thyroid test] effective at [diagnosing thyroid dysfunction as a cause of the confusion]
Clinical Scenario:
A 22 year old female presents to the emergency department with apparent acute confusion. You know thyroid dysfunction is a cause of delirium and wonder whether to check her thyroid levels or not.
Search Strategy:
MEDLINE 1950 to June week 4 2010, EMBASE 1980 to 2010 week 26 and the COCHRANE LIBRARY.
Search Details:
(exp confusion/ OR exp delirium/) AND (exp thyroid function test/) limit to human and English language
Outcome:
2 papers were found on Medline, none of which were relevant. 14 papers were found on Embase, none of which were relevant.
Author Commentary:
There is no evidence available on this topic relating to delirium.
Bottom Line:
There is no evidence available to warrant checking thyroid levels. local advice should be followed.