Chapter 45 - Thyroid disorder Flashcards
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate:
1- metabolism
2- cardiac and nervous system functions,
3- body temperature,
4- muscle strength,
5- skin dryness,
6- menstrual cycles,
7- weight and
8- cholesterol levels.
1) triiodothyronine:
2) thyroxine:
1) T3
2) T4
thyroid is the only organ that can absorb:
iodine
1- T3 is primarily formed from:
2- Who is more potent? who has a longer 1/2 life?
3- Thyroid hormone production is regulated by:
4- TSH is secreted by:
1- the breakdown of T4.
A small percentage (< 20%) is produced by the thyroid gland directly.
2- T3 is more potent than T4 but has a shorter half-life.
3- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), also referred to as thyrotropin.
4- the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain and regulates growth and development.
What is the negative feedback loop?
- When the level of circulating (free) T4 increases, it inhibits the secretion of TSH.
- Less TSH will lead to a decrease in T4 production.
what form of T4 do you monitor in patients with thyroid disorder?
free unbound t4
hypothyroidism:
t4 level?
tsh level?
t4 low
tsh is high
hypothyr occur most commonly in:
- females (80% of cases)
- older age
Sx of hypothyroidism:
1- cold intolerance
2- dry skin
3- fatigue
4- muscle cramps
5- voice changes
6- constipation
7- weight gain
8- goiter (can also be for low iodine intake)
9- myalgia
10- weakness
11- depression
12- bradycardia
13- coarse hair/ loss hair
14- menorrhagia (heavy periods)
15- memory & mental impairment
Most common cause of hypothyroidism is:
Hashimoto’s dx
- autoimmune dx
- pt’s own antibodies attacks thyroid gland
Drugs that can cause hypothyroidism:
- Interferons*
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g.,sunitinib)
- Amiodarone*
- Lithium
- Carbamazepine
- Oxcarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine
- Phenytoin
“ITALC OEP
- Can also cause hyperthyroidism
Conditions that can cause hypoth
1- Iodine deficiency
2- Pituitary failure (secretes TSH)
3- Surgical removal of thyroid gland
4- Congenital hypothyroidism
5- Thyroid gland ablation with radioactive iodine
6- External irradiation
7- Hashimoto’s Dx
1- an uncommon but life threatening condition caused by untreated hypothyroidism?
2- How to treat?
1- Myxedema Coma
2- IV Levothyroxine
3- It is a life threatening emergency characterized by poor circulation, hypothermia, hypometabolism.
A diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made using two laboratory test results:
■ Low free T4: Normal range 0.9 - 2.3 ng/dL
■ High TSH: Normal range 0.3- 3 m lU/L
When should you consider screening?
In patients > 60 years old
what are the 3 tests you do for thyroid function?
- TSH
- FT4
- Total T3
What is the primary test to monitor thyroid function in those receiving thyroid hormone replacement with drug treatment?
- TSH
- FT4 occasionally ordered with TSH
The TSH level and symptoms should be monitored every:
- 4 - 6 weeks until levels are normal
- then 4 - 6 months later
- then yearly
Too high of a thyroid hormone replacement dose in elderly patients can cause:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Fractures
what is central hypothyroidism? And what do you monitor in it?
- A defect in pituitary production of TSH
- It is a rare condition
- Serum FT4 is monitored in addition to TSH
Goals of ttmt:
- resolve symptoms,
- achieve euthyroid state (i.e., normal levels of thyroid hormones)
- avoid over-treatment; excessive doses of thyroid hormone will cause hyperthyroidism.
What is the drug of choice in hypoth
Levothyroxine (T4)
make sure to use a consistent preparation (same manufacturer and formulation)
Foods high in iodine
- dairy
- seafood
- meat
- some breads
Levothyroxine Brand names:
- Synthroid
- Levoxyl
- Unithroid
- Euthyrox
- Tirosint
- Tirosint-SOL
Full replacement dose of levothyroxine in hypothyroidism:
1.6 mcg/Kg/day
use IBW
- Start with full replacement dose in otherwise healthy, young(< 50 years of age) patients with markedly inc TSH
Start with partial replacement dose of levoth in:
- milder hypothyroidism
- those with comorbidities
If known CAD, start levoth dose of:
12.5-25 mcg daily
Elderly patients often need a levoth dose of
20 - 25 % less per Kg
May require < 1 mcg/kg/day
Levothyroxine PO administration
- take with water
- at the same time each day for consistent absorption,
- at least 60 minutes before breakfast
- or at bedtime (at least three hours after the last meal)
25 mcg color
orange
50 mcg color
white
75 mcg color
Violet
88 mcg color
olive (light green)