4. Hypothyroidism Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
Common - 2% UK prevalence
More common than hyper-
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
F>M
10 times more common in women
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Inflammation
Treatment for hyperthyroidism (surgery, radiotherapy)
Congenital
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
FHx of thyroid / autoimmune disease
Being middle-aged
Iodine deficiency
Radiation exposure
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Fatigue Menstrual irregularity Cold intolerance Weight gain Constipation Depression Lethargy Myalgia, muscle cramps
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Bradycardia
Goitre
Oedema
Diastolic hypertension
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Head and neck cancer Sick euthyroid illness Diabetes (T1) Anaemia CKD, heart failure Hypercalcaemia Vitamin B1 deficiency Stress/anxiety/depression
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
TFT, serum TSH
FBC, serum B12
HbA1c
TPOAb (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Levothyroxine
10
Q
What complications are there?
A
CHD and stroke Metabolic syndrome Heart failure Infertility Vision/taste/hearing loss Myxoedema coma (decreased mental status, hypothermia)
