E Flashcards
Define diabetes insipidus?
Large amounts of dilute urine produced which causes extreme thirst
State the two drugs used to treat pituitary diabetes insipidus?
Vasopressin and desmopressin
Why is desmopressin preferred?
Long acting, more potent and has no vasoconstrictor effect
What drug is used in the differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus?
Desmopressin (can cause hyponatraemic convulsions)
What drug is used in partial pituitary diabetes insipidus?
Carbamazepine but is unlicensed
Which two drugs treat hyponatraemia?
Demeclocycline and tolvaptan
How does demeclocycline work?
Blocks renal tubular effect of ADH
How does tolvaptan work?
Vasopressin v2-receptor antagonist
State a side effect of tolvaptan?
Rapid correction of hyponatraemia can cause osmotic demyelination
leading to serious neurological events
State a side effect of desmopressin?
Hyponatraemic convulsions
State one interaction with desmopressin?
With TCAS - increases risk of hyponatraemia
State one counselling point with desmopressin?
Stop taking medicine whilst episode of vomiting / diarrhoea
State a MHRA side effect of corticosteroids use?
Central serious chorioretinopathy - retinal disorder
What are the mineralocorticoid side effects?
Potassium and calcium loss (hypokalaemia/hypocalcaemia) - sodium and water retention - hypertension
What are mineral corticosteroids most marked in?
Most marked in fludrocortisone
Significant with hydrocortisone, corticotrophin and tetracosacitide
What are the glucocorticoid side effects?
Diabetes
osteoporosis
muscle wasting
avascular necrosis
peptic ulceration
psychiatric reactions
What are glucocorticoids most marked in?
Betamethasone, dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone
State the conditions a patient can develop after taking prolonged use of corticosteroids?
Increased risk of infections
Increased risk of chicken pox
Increased risk of measles
Increased risk of psychiatric reactions/altered mood/ risk of suicide/depression
REPORT!
Glaucoma, cataracts
Purple stretch marks
Growth restriction in children
Hypertension
Diabetes - can increase blood-glucose concentration levels (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, blurred vision)
Osteoporosis
High doses cause Cushing syndrome - moon face, strae, acne
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Excessive amounts of cortisol in human body
What are symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?
Increased fat on chest and tummy
Build-up of fat on neck
Red, puffy, rounded moon face,
Purple stretch marks
Low libido
What is the diagnosis test for Cushing’s syndrome:
Overnight suppression dexamethasone test
Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST)
Your blood is drawn 6 hours after the last dose. Normally, cortisol levels in the blood drop after taking dexamethasone. Cortisol levels that don’t drop suggest Cushing’s syndrome. In the LDDST test, you will have blood drawn after taking a low dose of dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, which is similar to cortisol.
when dexamethasone is present in the body, it mimics the actions of cortisol and suppresses the release of CRH and ACTH. As a result, cortisol production by the adrenal glands decreases (body doesnt think it needs to produce so much cortisol- balance out)
therefore in cushings syndrome As a result, even though dexamethasone is administered, cortisol production remains elevated because the usual regulatory signals to decrease cortisol production are not effectively transmitted.
Which drug is used in management of Cushing’s syndrome?
Metyrapone
Metyrapone acts by blocking the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol by P450c11 (11β hydroxylase)
Which drug is used in treatment of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome?
Ketoconazole
State the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
Fatigue
anorexia
vomiting
hypotension
hypoglycaemia
hponatraemia
hyperkalaemia
State advice for ketoconazole?
Know the signs of liver toxicity
Nausea, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, anorexia
Ketoconazole works by inhibiting cortisol synthesis and can help reduce cortisol levels in patients with Cushing’s syndrome who are awaiting surgery or for whom surgery is not an option.
Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome refers to a condition where there is excessive production of cortisol within the body. This excess cortisol can stem from various sources
Treatment options for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome depend on the underlying cause and may include surgery to remove tumors, medications to suppress cortisol production, or radiation therapy.
State DVLA advice for patients taking insulin:
Check blood glucose no more than 2 hours before driving and every 2 hours while driving
Blood glucose should always be above 5mmol/L
If it falls to 5 or below, a snack should be taken
If it falls below 4 mol/L the driver should stop driving
.
Have a sugary drink or snack + wait 45 mins before continuing the journey
What can mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia:
Alcohol, sulphonylureas and betablockers
What is diagnosed as pre-diabetic:
42-47 mmol (6%)
What is defined as having type 2 diabetes:
Over 48 mmol (6.5%)
State one common side effect of sulphonylurea:
Modest weight gain
How does sulphonylureas work:
increasing(augmenting) insulin secretion and only effective when some residual pancreatic beta-cell activity is present
State DPP4:
Gliptins
Less incidence of hypoglycaemia and no weight gain
How does DPP4 work:
Blocks the action of DPP4, an enzyme which destroys the hormone incretin
Incretins help the body produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed
State SGLT2:
Canagliflozin and empaglifozin can be beneficial in patients with diabetes + established heart disease
Flozins are at an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
How does SGLT2 work:
Reversibly inhibits SGLT2 in renal proximal convoluted tubule to reduce glucose reabsorption an increase urinary glucose excretion
Which GLP1 agonist is has proven cardiovascular benefit in patients with diabetes and established CVD:
Liraglutide
Which antidiabetic medicine can be used for polycystic ovary syndrome:
Metformin - can cause weight loss, acne, hirsutism, regulation of menstrual cycle
State how does metformin work:
Decreases gluconeogenesis and increases peripheral utilisation of glucose
State some key information regarding metformin:
Can cause metallic altered taste, weight loss, B12 deficiency, avoid if egfr is 30 or less
Metformin lowers both basal and postprandial blood glucose concentrations not associated with weight gain and does not stimulate insulin secretion when given alone does not cause hypoglycaemia
State target HBA1C concentration when diabetes is managed by diet and lifestyle alone:
48 mmol - 6.5%
State target HBA1C concentration if a single sulphonylurea is used OR two or antidiabetic drugs used:
53 mmol - 7.0%
State initial treatment of diabetes:
- Metformin (dose should be increased gradually to minimise risks of Gl effects.
If GI (gastro) effects noticed, then give M/R metformin - Metformin + DPP4/pioglitazone/sulfonylurea. Metformin + SGLT2 may be considered if sulfonylurea is not tolerated or if patient is at significant risk of hypoglycaemia
- Metformin + sulphonylurea + DPP4 or Metformin + sulphonylurea + pioglitazone
For adults with type 2 diabetes at any stage after they have started first line treatment:
If they have or develop chronic heart failure or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, offer an SLT2 with proven cardiovascular benefit
Which sulphonlyurea is indicated in elderly patients or those with renal impairment:
Short acting sulphonylurea: gliclazide / tolbutamide
Triple therapy with metformin + sulphonlyurea + GLP1RA:
Only prescribed with BMI over 35 kg/m2
GLPIRA:
After 6 months, drug should only be continued if at-least 11mmol/ 1% in HBAIC and 3% of weight loss of initial body weight has been achieved
Note: in patients with chronic heart failure or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease should also be offered a SGLT2
What can exacerbate or prolong hypoglycaemic effect?
Alcohol consumption - advised to reduce
What are type 2 diabetic patients at risk of
Periodontitis (advised to go to see dentist regularly)
Gum disease is where your gums are red and swollen
What screening should be done for patients with type 2 diabetes:
Retinopathy = diabetic eye screening annual once a year
Foot problems = diabetes foot check annual once a year
Diabetic kidney disease = annual once a year
Cardiovascular risk = annual once a year
State the ‘Sick-day’ rules:
Advise to temporarily stop some drug treatments during acute illness
Diuretics
ACE/ARB
METFORMIN
NSAIDs
DAMN
Stop above treatment if there is risk of dehydration to reduce risk of acute kidney injury
Stop metformin if there is risk of dehydration to reduce risk of lactic acidosis
Stop sulfonylureas as may increase risk of hypoglycaemia
Stop SGLT2, check ketones and stop treatment if acutely unwell due to risk of euglycemic DKA
Stop GLP1RA if there is risk of dehydration, due to risk of AKI
State treatment of diabetic nephropathy:
ACE or ARB
State treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy:
- Amitriptyline, imipramine, duloxetine, venlafaxine
- Pregabalin, gabapentin
State treatment of diabetic diarrhea in patients with autonomic neuropathy:
- Tetracycline
- Codeine
(erythromycin IV given for gastroparesis)
iabetic neuropathy can affect the bladder muscles,
Autonomic neuropathy is a form of polyneuropathy that affects the non-voluntary, non-sensory nervous system, affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles
Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Erythromycin, commonly known as an antibiotic, has an additional effect on gastrointestinal motility and has been used off-label for the treatment of gastroparesis.
There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and effects:
Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy and affects the nerves that control sensation, movement, and coordination in the limbs, particularly the feet and legs. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain in the affected areas. Peripheral neuropathy can also lead to muscle weakness, loss of balance, and changes in skin texture.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder function. Symptoms may include dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), gastrointestinal problems (such as gastroparesis or diabetic diarrhea), sexual dysfunction, and bladder dysfunction.
Proximal Neuropathy: Also known as diabetic amyotrophy or diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy, this type of neuropathy affects the nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and lower back. It can cause severe pain, weakness, and muscle wasting in the affected areas.
Focal Neuropathy: Focal neuropathy, also called mononeuropathy, affects individual nerves, often in the torso, head, or limbs. It can cause sudden, severe pain in specific areas, as well as weakness or paralysis of the affected muscles.
State treatment of postural hypotension:
Midodrine
State treatment of neuropathic postural hypotension:
Increased salt intake + fludrocortisone (uncontrollable edema SE)
State treatment of gustatory sweating:
Propantheline bromide
State treatment of neuropathic oedema:
Ephedrine
State the symptoms of Diabetic ketoacidosis (severe hyperglycaemia and high blood ketones):
Rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, sweet metallic taste, different odour in sweat and urine, Confusion, tired, fast breathing, breathe smells fruity, thirsty
State treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis:
- Soluble insulin IV mixed with sodium chloride 0.9% + potassium (no potassium if anuria)
Which drug to use in pregnancy:
- Metformin
State insulin treatments in pregnancy:
Isophane insulin - first choice for long acting Or insulin detemir / glargine
Continuous S/C insulin infusion
Define gestational diabetes:
Women with gestational diabetes who have a fasting plasma glucose below 7mmol/litre at diagnosis should first attempt a change in diet and exercise alone to reduce blood-glucose levels.
If blood-glucose targets are not met within 1-2 weeks, metformin is prescribed.
If metformin is not effective or contraindicated, then insulin is prescribed
How do you treat pregnant patient if fasting plasma glucose is above 7mmol/litre:
Treat with insulin immediately, with or without metformin in addition to a change in diet and exercise