Endocrine Flashcards
Signs of diabetes mellitus
Polyuria
Polydipsia
weight loss
What are the types of diabetes?
T1DM = an absolute insulin deficiency causes persistent hyperglycaemia. (autoimmune)
T2DM = a combination of insulin resistance/insensitivity and insulin deficiency
Diagnostic criteria for diabetes
Symptomatic:
1. fasting glucose > 7.0 mmol/l
- random glucose > 11.1 mmol/l (or after 75g oral glucose tolerance test)
HbA1c > 48 mmol/mol
4 main ways to check blood glucose
- a finger-prick bedside glucose monitor
- a one-off blood glucose.
- a HbA1c.
- a glucose tolerance test.
Management of T1DM
Insulin
Management of T2DM
- Metformin
- Sulfonylureas, gliptins + pioglitazone
- Insulin
Signs and symptoms of DKA
Common in new diagnosis T1DM:
- abdominal pain
- polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration
- deep hyperventilation
- acetone-smelling breath (‘pear drops’ smell)
When should HbA1c be monitoried for T1DM?
Every 3-6 months
What is the HbA1C targets for T2DM?
Lifestyle = 48
Lifestyle + metformin = 48
Lifestyle + any drug cause hypoglycaemia (sulfonylurea) = 53
Diabetes Mellitus sick day rules
- Increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring to four hourly or more frequently
- Encourage fluid intake aiming for at least 3 litres in 24hrs
- If unable to take struggling to eat may need sugary drinks to maintain carbohydrate intake
- It is useful to educate patients so that they have a box of ‘sick day supplies’ that they can access if they become unwell
- Access to a mobile phone has been shown to reduce progression of ketosis to diabetic ketoacidosis
- Continue taking medication
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland
typically associated with hypothyroidism although there may be a transient thyrotoxicosis in the acute phase
Clinical features of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- hypo sx
- goitre
- anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
What may trigger thyroid storm
- surgery
- trauma
- infection
- iodine load e.g CT Contrast
Management of thyroid storm
symptomatic tx (paracetemol), treat underlying, beta blockers
- anti-thyroid drugs: e.g. propylthiouracil
- Lugol’s iodine
- dexamethasone (blocks conversion of T3 to T4)
What is Subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis
thought to occur following viral infection and typically presents with hyperthyroidism
Investigations for Subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis
thyroid scintigraphy: globally reduced uptake of iodine-131
Management of Subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis
analgesia, self-limiting
Diagnostic critieria for DKA
- glucose > 11 mmol/l or known diabetes mellitus
- pH < 7.3
- bicarbonate < 15 mmol/l
- ketones > 3 mmol/l or
- urine ketones ++ on dipstick
Management of DKA
- Fluid replacement
- Insulin
- Correction of electrolyte disturbance
- Long-acting insulin
What is hypoglycaemia
blood glucose concentrations <3.3 mmol/L
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Hunger
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- weakness
- vision change
- confusion
- dizziness
Symptoms of severe hypoglycaemia
- convulsion
- coma
Management of hypoglycaemia
- in the community:
- oral glucose 10-20g should be given in liquid, gel or tablet form
- Alternatively, a propriety quick-acting carbohydrate may be given: GlucoGel or Dextrogel.
- A ‘HypoKit’ may be prescribed which contains a syringe and vial of glucagon for IM or SC injection at home - in a hospital setting:
- If the patient is alert, a quick-acting carbohydrate may be given (as above)
- If the patient is unconscious or unable to swallow, subcut or IM glucagon
- Alternatively, IV 20% glucose solution through a large vein
Define hypercholesterolaemia
Total cholesterol > 7.5 mmol
Management of hypercholesterolaemia
Familial = high dose statin
Atorvastatin 80 mg
Management of hypertriglyceridaemia
- Statins (e.g atorvastatin 10mg)/Fenofibrates (initially 200mg OD).
- Qrisk score would also be done to determine risk of 10 years cardiac related mortality.
- Weight loss/dietary advice
What is Addison’s disease?
Reduced cortisol + aldosterone produced
Features of Addison’s disease
- lethargy, weakness, anorexia, nausea & vomiting, weight loss, ‘salt-craving’
- hyperpigmentation (especially palmar creases)*, vitiligo, loss of pubic hair in women, hypotension,
- hypoglycaemia
hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia may be seen - crisis: collapse, shock, pyrexia
Definitive investigation for Addison’s disease
ACTH Test (Short synacthen test)
Other:
9 am Serum Cortisol
1. > 500 nmol/l = Addison’s very unlikely
2. < 100 nmol/l = abnormal
3. 100-500 nmol/l = ACTH stimulation indicated
Management of Addison’s Disease
Combination of:
- hydrocortisone
- fludrocortisone
What is Addison’s crisis?
Acute exacerbation of chronic insufficiency
Causes of Addisonian crisis
- Sepsis or surgery
- adrenal haemorrhage
- steroid withdrawal
Management of Addisonian Crisis
- hydrocortisone 100 mg im or iv
- 1 litre normal saline infused over 30-60 mins or with dextrose if hypoglycaemic
- continue hydrocortisone 6 hourly until the patient is stable. No fludrocortisone is required because high cortisol exerts weak mineralocorticoid action
- oral replacement may begin after 24 hours and be reduced to maintenance over 3-4 days
Clinical features of hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Cold intolerance
- dry skin, brittle hair
- constipation
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
What are the expected TFT results in primary hypothyroidism
High TSH, Low T4
What are the expected TFT results in Secondary hypothyroidism
Low TSH, Low T4
How is hypothyroidism classified
Primary = problem with thyroid gland itself
Secondary = disorder with pituitary gland
Congenital
Management of hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine
How long after levothyroxine dose change should TFT be repeated?
8-12 weeks
What is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis
Graves’ disease
Epidemiology of Graves Disease
women 30-50 yo
Clinical signs of Graves disease
- exophthalmos
- pretibial myxoedema
Which antibodies can help distinguish Graves disease from other forms of hyperthryoidism?
TSH Receptor stimulating antibodies
Management of Graves disease
propanolol to control symptoms
carbimazole is uncontrolled with propanolol
What is Graves Disease
autoimmune condition leading to overactive thyroid glands
What is the typical description of a patient with hyperparathyroidism in exam questions?
elderly females with an unquenchable thirst and an inappropriately normal or raised parathyroid hormone level
How do most patients with hyperparathyroidism present?
80% are asymptomatic
Mnemonic used to remember symptomatic features of primary hyperparathyroidism
bones, stones, abdominal groans and psychic moans
What are the expected blood results in primary hyperparathyroidism?
normal or raised PTH
raised Ca , low Phosphate
Characteristic Xray finding of hyperparathyroidism
pepperpot skull
Definitive management of primary hyperparathyroidism
total parathyroidectomy
What may be given to patients with hyperparathyroidism who are not suitable for surgical management
cinacalcet
- a calcimimetic which ‘mimics’ the action of calcium on tissues
What is hyperparathyroidism
condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much PTH leading to excess calcium production
Most common cause of hyperparathyroidism
solitary adenoma
What are the expected blood results in secondary hyperparathyroidism?
High PTH
Low/normal Ca, High Phosphate
Cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism
CKD = low calcium = PTH Hyperplasia