Perceptive Deafness in Hypothyroidism

~~~~~~~~~~~~~MEDICAL JOURNAL was 2.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3 ml./min.When these tests were repeated after three weeks' treatment the average water excretion was 3, 3.5, 4.5, and 6 ml./min respectively.There was an increase in 17-ketosteroid excretion in all cases.Before treatment the output ranged from 2.8 to 4.7 ml. a day; after treat- ment it was from 5.5 to 11 mg.a day.No significant changes were observed in the levels of serum sodium, potassium, or chlorides, and these levels were usually within normal limits both before and during treatment.Insulin sensitivity tests revealed a hypoglycaemic unresponsiveness in all .cases,and this was unaltered by treatment.No change was produced in the blood picture; in no patient was the anaemia of severe degree.The effect of administration of cortisone over a prolonged period might be worth observing, particularly as it is known that the anaemia of myxoedema responds very slowly to the adminis- tration of thyroid extract. SummaryThe effect of cortisone treatment in five cases of myxoedema has been observed.No change was produced in the physical or biochemical state of these patients.A marked quickening of mental processes was, however, noticed.There does not appear to be any good reason for using cortisone as an adjuvant to thyroid extract in most cases of hypothyroidism.The quickening of mental activity produced in these patients by cortisone might make this drug helpful in those cases of myxoedema in which drowsiness is marked and in which the development of coma is a possibility.