In adults presenting with acute confusion is thyroid test effective at diagnosing thyroid dysfunction as a cause of the confusion?

Report By: Rachel Alstead - Medical Student
Institution: MRI
Date Submitted: 5th July 2010
Last Modified: 8th July 2010
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

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.
(exp confusion/ OR exp delirium/) AND (exp thyroid function test/) limit to human and English language

Search Outcome

2 papers were found on Medline, none of which were relevant. 14 papers were found on Embase, none of which were relevant.

Comment(s)

There is no evidence available on this topic relating to delirium.

Clinical Bottom Line

There is no evidence available to warrant checking thyroid levels. local advice should be followed.