Endocrine Flashcards
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What are the two types of diabetes insipidus? (2)
pituitray
nephrogenic
What causes pituitary diabetes insipidus?
insufficient levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
What causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
kidney defects.
(The kidneys do not respond to ADH)
What are the treatment options for pituitary diabetes insipidus? (2)
Vasopressin (ADH)
and its analog Desmopressin
How are doses of Vasopressin or Desmopressin adjusted in the treatment of pituitary diabetes insipidus?
Doses are tailored to produce slight diuresis every 24 hours to avoid water intoxication.
What is the difference between Vasopressin and Desmopressin in terms of potency and duration of action? (2)
Desmopressin is more potent
and has a longer duration of action than vasopressin.
How is Desmopressin used in the differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus?
If desmopressin fails to produce a respond (i.e no reduction in urine output), it indicated nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
How do both pituitary and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus patients benefit from thiazide diuretics?
Both types of patients can benefit from the paradoxical antidiuretic effect of thiazide diuretics.
(While diuretics typically increase urine output, thiazide diuretics can actually reduce urine volume in individuals with diabetes insipidus)
In what situations is Carbamazepine used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus?
Carbamazepine is sometimes useful
in sensitizing renal tubules to the action of remaining vasopressin
(im guessing this is for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus)
What are some other uses of Desmopressin? (2)
in haemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease to boost factor VIII concentration
also in nocturnal enuresis.
How is Desmopressin used in the treatment of haemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease?
it boost factor VIII concentration
What is the recommendation regarding fluid intake when taking Desmopressin? (3)
have minimal fluid intake
1 hour before the dose
until 8 hours after
Why should we not administer intranasal desmopressin for nocturnal enuresis?
increased risk of hyponatraemic convulsions.
Why can vasopressin be used in the treatment of variceal bleeding in portal hypertension?
has vasoconstrictor effects.
What is the role of Oxytocin in medical practice? (2)
another pituitary hormone
used in obstetrics: labour stimulation as increased uterine activity
What are some common side effects associated with desmopressin?(6)
fluid retention
hyponatremia (especially when fluid intake is not restricted)
stomach pain
headache
nausea
vomiting
what risk is increased when taking desmopressin for nocturnal enuresis?
hyponatremic convulsions
How can the risk of hyponatremic convulsions be minimized when using desmopressin for nocturnal enuresis? (4)
by avoiding fluid overload
stopping the medication during vomiting or diarrhea episodes
adhering to recommended doses
avoiding concurrent use of drugs that increase vasopressin secretion (such as paracetamol, nicotine, and tricyclic antidepressants).
Why is there an increased risk of hyponatremic convulsions in elderly patients taking desmopressin?
due to factors such as age-related changes in physiology
What should we measure and monitor in elderly patient taking desmopressin? (1)
When should we discontinue the desmopressin? (1)
measure what their baseline serum sodium is
AND regularly monitor their levels during treatment.
Discontinue treatment if levels fall below baseline.
What is the oxytocic effect of desmopressin during pregnancy?
has a small oxytocic effect in the third trimester of pregnancy
(has the ability to stimulate uterine contractions)
What is the potential risk associated with desmopressin use in pregnancy?
an increased risk of pre-eclampsia
What is pre- eclampsia? (5)
a disorder
characterized by high blood pressure
and significant protein in the urine
can lead to serious comp
can affect both the mother and the unborn baby
What are the normal secretions of the adrenal cortex? (2)
hydrocortisone (cortisol): glucocorticoid activity
aldosterone: mineralocorticoid activity
What are the biological effects exerted by glucocorticoid hormones (glucocorticoid activity)? (5)
regulating metabolism
suppressing inflammation
modulating the immune response
vasoconstrictive effects
maintaining blood sugar levels
responding to stress
What is mineralocorticoid activity? (4)
Mineralocorticoids act on the kidneys
increase the reabsorption of sodium and water
while promoting the excretion of potassium
help regulate blood pressure and maintain proper fluid balance within the body.
What is Addison’s disease?
a disorder
adrenal glands not producing enough hormones
primarily cortisol (a glucocorticoid)
and often aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid)
What are common symptoms of Addison’s disease?(5)
fatigue
weakness
weight loss
low blood pressure
hyperpigmentation of the skin
How is Addison’s disease treated? (4)
lifelong hormone replacement therapy
to replace the deficient hormones
this is a combination of oral hydrocortisone
AND
fludrocortisone acetate
(a glucocorticoid + mineralocorticoid)
Why is a combination of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate preferred in Addison’s disease?
Hydrocortisone alone does not provide sufficient mineralocorticoid activity for complete replacement in Addison’s disease.
How is replacement therapy dosed throughout the day for mimicking the normal diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion? (3)
Replacement therapy is given in two doses
with a larger dose in the morning
and a smaller dose in the evening
What is acute adrenocortical insufficiency?
a life-threatening condition
characterized by a sudden and severe deficiency of cortisol and often aldosterone
Who does acute adrenocortical insufficiency typically occur in? (3)
individuals with underlying adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison’s disease)
who experience stress, illness, surgery, or trauma
and thus their body has an INCREASED demand for cortisol
What are symptoms of acute adrenocortical insufficiency? (7)
sudden onset of severe weakness
fatigue
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
low blood pressure
electrolyte imbalances.
How is acute adrenocortical insuffiency treated?
IV hydrocortisone every 6 to 8 hours.
What is hypopituitarism?
a deficiency in one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland
(note: the pituitary gland regulates cortisol and other hormones however, it has nothing to do directly with mineralocorticoids. That’s the job of the adrenal gland)
How is hypopituitarism treated? (2)
oral hydrocortisone
AND
Additional replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium and sex hormones should be given (as indicated by the pattern of hormone deficiency)
(a mineralocorticoid is not usually required as adrenal glands produce them and they should be functioning as normal)
(in hypopituitarism, where the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate levels of various hormones, there can be deficiencies in other hormones beyond just cortisol and mineralocorticoids. Additional treatment with levothyroxine sodium (to replace thyroid hormone) and sex hormones may be needed based on the specific hormone deficiencies. Levothyroxine helps with metabolism, while sex hormones address issues like reproductive dysfunction. This therapy aims to balance hormones and relieve symptoms caused by hormone deficiencies.
Why is high glucocorticoid activity alone not advantageous in corticosteroid therapy? (2)
High glucocorticoid activity is only beneficial if accompanied by relatively low mineralocorticoid activity.
Without this balance, the therapeutic effects may not be clinically relevant.
Why is fludrocortisone’s anti-inflammatory activity considered clinically irrelevant? (3)
has such high mineralocorticoid activity
that its anti-inflammatory effects are overshadowed
rendering them clinically insignificant.
Which corticosteroids are particularly suitable for high-dose therapy in conditions where fluid retention is a concern? (4)
Betamethasone and dexamethasone are suitable
as have long duration of very high glucocorticoid activity
and have insignificant mineralocorticoid activity
minimizing the risk of fluid retention.
Which corticosteroid is most commonly used by mouth for long- term disease suppression?
Prednisolone
What activities do prednisolone and prednisone predominately have?
glucocorticoid activity
How does deflazacort compare to prednisolone in terms of glucocorticoid activity? (2)
Deflazacort is derived from prednisolone
so demonstrates high glucocorticoid activity, making it effective for therapeutic use.
Why is hydrocortisone considered unsuitable for long-term disease suppression? (4)
Has significant mineralocorticoid activity
this leads to fluid retention
making it unsuitable for long-term disease suppression
due to associated side effects.
What can hydrocortisone be used to treat? (2)
can be utilized for adrenal replacement therapy
where its mineralocorticoid activity may be beneficial.
What are corticosteroids?
Steroid hormones
Where are corticosteroids produced?
In the adrenal cortex?
What are the two main classes of corticosteroids? (2)
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Which corticosteroid has the MOST mineralocorticoid side effects?
fludrocortisone
Which corticosteroids have significant mineralocorticoid side effects? (3)
hydrocortisone
corticotropin
tetracosactide
Which corticosteroids have negligible mineralocorticoid actions?
high potency glucocorticoids such as betamethasone and dexamethasone
Which corticosteroids have slight mineralocorticoid side effects? (3)
methylprednisolone
prednisolone
and triamcinolone
What are some mineralocorticoid side effects associated with corticosteroid use? (5)
hypertension
sodium retention
water retention
potassium loss
calcium loss.
What are some glucocorticoid side effects associated with corticosteroid use? (9)
diabetes
osteoporosis (particularly in the elderly),
avascular necrosis of the femoral head at high doses
proximal myopathy
weakly linked peptic ulceration
psychiatric reactions
Cushing’s syndrome (with moon face, striae, and acne at high doses)
increased appetite
weight gain
What is the significance of high doses of glucocorticoids in terms of side effects? (3)
High doses of glucocorticoids can lead to severe side effects
such as Cushing’s syndrome
but these side effects are usually reversible upon withdrawal of treatment
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol
What can cause Cushing’s syndrome? (2)
Can be endogenous (excessive natural cortisol production)
or exogenous (due to corticosteroid medication)
What are symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome? (8)
Weight gain (especially in face and upper body)
thinning skin
easy bruising
stretch marks (striae)
high blood pressure
fatigue
muscle weakness
mood changes.
What are patients advised to do if they notice warning signs while undergoing prolonged steroid treatment?
Patients are advised to report all warning signs to their doctor immediately
What should patients undergoing prolonged steroid treatment (>3 weeks) have?
A steroid card
What is paradoxical bronchospasm?
constriction of the airways
What are the symptoms of uncontrolled asthma? (3)
cough
wheezing
tight chest
What is adrenal suppression?
occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol
What are the symptoms of adrenal suppresion? (7)
fever
nausea
vomiting
weight loss
fatigue
headache
muscular weakness
How should prolonged corticosteroid therapy be withdrawn to prevent acute adrenal insufficiency?
must be withdrawn gradually
( as adrenal atrophy can develop and persist for years after stopping treatment)
What are some signs indicating the need for gradual withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy? (3)
a) Receiving more than 40mg prednisolone (or equivalent) daily for more than one week.
b) Being given repeat evening doses.
c) Receiving treatment for more than three weeks.
How does prolonged corticosteroid treatment affect infection risk, and what precautions should patients take? (4)
Prolonged corticosteroid treatment increases the risk of infection
especially severe infections like chickenpox or measles (if the patient is not already immune)
Patients should avoid exposure to chickenpox, shingles, or measles, and more serious infections such as TB and septicaemia
infections may reach an advanced stage before being recognized.
What psychiatric reactions are associated with corticosteroid treatment? (5)
euphoria
suicidal thoughts
nightmares
depression
insomnia
When do psychiatric reactions associated with corticosteroid treatment, and when do they usually subside? (2)
These reactions are usually associated with high doses or treatment withdrawal
they typically subside on reducing the dose.
What are warning signs of corticosteroids? (6)
paradoxical bronchospasm
uncontrolled asthma
adrenal suppression
frequent courses of antibiotics and/ or corticosteroids
immunosuppression
psychiatric reactions
What parameters should be monitored regularly during corticosteroid treatment? (8)
Blood pressure
blood lipids
serum potassium
body weight and height - in children and adolescents
bone mineral density
blood glucose
eye exams (for intraocular pressure and cataracts)
signs of adrenal suppression
What is the recommendation regarding corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding? (2)
Benefit of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding outweighs the risk.
Pregnant women with fluid retention should be closely monitored, and treatment is required during labor.
What are some drug interactions associated with corticosteroids? (6)
Accelerated metabolism of corticosteroids by carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifamycins.
Induction or enhancement of the anticoagulant effect of coumarins by corticosteroids
Impairment of the immune response to vaccines by high-dose corticosteroids, necessitating avoidance of concomitant use with live vaccines.
Masking of gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs (including aspirin) by corticosteroids, with avoidance of concomitant use if possible and consideration of gastroprotection.
Potential for severe hypokalemia when given with other drugs that lower serum potassium, such as loop and thiazide diuretics.
Antagonism of the effects of antihypertensive and oral hypoglycemic drugs by glucocorticoids.
Why is it important to monitor blood pressure during corticosteroid treatment?
because corticosteroids can cause hypertension as a side effect.
What is the significance of monitoring bone mineral density during corticosteroid treatment?
because corticosteroids can lead to osteoporosis and bone loss
How can corticosteroids affect the immune response to vaccines? (2)
High-dose corticosteroids can impair the immune response to vaccines
necessitating avoidance of concomitant use with live vaccines.
What effect can corticosteroids have on the gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs? (2)
Corticosteroids can mask the gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs, including aspirin
carefully consider use
avoid use
if do use, use along with gastroprotection.
Which drugs accelerate the metabolism of corticosteroids? (4)
Carbamazepine
phenobarbital
phenytoin
rifamycins
What effect can corticosteroids have on the anticoagulant effect of coumarins?
Corticosteroids may induce or enhance the anticoagulant effect of coumarins
What risk is associated with combining corticosteroids with loop and thiazide diuretics?
can lead to severe hypokalemia
How do glucocorticoids affect the effects of antihypertensive and oral hypoglycemic drugs?
Glucocorticoids antagonize the effects of antihypertensive and oral hypoglycemic drugs.
when glucocorticoids are taken concurrently with antihypertensive or oral hypoglycemic medications, they can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs, potentially leading to less control over blood pressure or blood sugar levels
What is the treatment approach for patients with type 1 diabetes?
Patients with type 1 diabetes require administration of insulin
How can patients with type 2 diabetes be controlled? (2)
Patients with type 2 diabetes may be controlled on diet alone
but may also require oral antidiabetics and/or insulin
What is the main aim of diabetes treatment? (2)
alleviate symptoms
minimize the risk of long-term complications, particularly cardiovascular disease.
How can the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients be reduced? (2)
risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by using an ACE inhibitor (which also provides kidney protection to diabetics)
and a lipid-regulating drug.
What are the long-term complications associated with diabetes? (3)
neuropathy
retinopathy
nephropathy.
How often should HbA1c levels be measured?
HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) should be measured every 3-6 months
What are HbA1c levels a good indication?
glycemic control over the previous 2-3 months.
What is the ideal target for HbA1c concentration, and why may it not always be achievable? (3)
The ideal target for HbA1c concentration is 59mmol/mol or less.
However, the reference range is 20-42mmol/mol, which may not always be achievable
Moreover, aiming for very low HbA1c levels increases the risk of severe hypoglycemic episodes in diabetics.
How is diabetic nephropathy tested for? (3)
urinary microalbuminuria
annual tests for urinary protein
serum creatinine
What risk is associated with the presence of nephropathy in diabetic patients?
increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
What is the recommended treatment for diabetic patients with nephropathy, regardless of blood pressure?
All diabetic patients with nephropathy should be treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, regardless of blood pressure.
How can ACE inhibitors affect the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic drugs and insulin? When is this especially true? (2)
ACE inhibitors can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of anti-diabetic drugs and insulin
especially during initial treatment and if renal impairment is present.
How is mild to moderate pain associated with diabetic neuropathy treated? (2)
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen.
What medication is effective for PAINFUL neuropathy in diabetic patients?
Duloxetine
What alternatives can be considered if Duloxetine is ineffective for painful neuropathy? (3)
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline (unlicensed)
Gabapentin
What other medications are supported by evidence for the treatment of neuropathic pain in diabetic patients? (5)
Tramadol
morphine
oxycodone (under specialist supervision)
Carbamazepine
Capsaicin cream
What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia (blood sugar level < 3.5mmol/L)? (8)
pale skin
feeling sweaty
tremor
rapid heart rate
confusion
aggression
fits
impaired consciousness
How should blood glucose be restored in a conscious individual experiencing hypoglycemia?
oral glucose should be administered
How should blood glucose be restored in an UNconscious individual experiencing hypoglycemia? (2)
IV dextrose should be given.
If this is not available, Glucagon can be administered via an intramuscular injection.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) or HyperOsmolar Non-Ketosis (HONK)? (9)
dehydration
acute hunger
thirst
abdominal pain
fruity smelling breath and urine if ketotic
rapid breathing
confusion
decreased consciousness
and arrhythmias due to hyper/hypokalemia.
How do DKA and HHS differ, and which type is usually associated with Type 1 diabetes?
DKA is usually associated with Type 1 diabetes and is characterized by hyperglycemia (>20mM) with ketones present.
HHS mainly occurs in Type 2 diabetes and is characterized by severe dehydration due to hyperglycemia (>50mM) with minimal ketones present.
How are DKA and HHS managed? (9)
nasogastric tube to remove stomach contents
IV insulin and fluids
LMWH to prevent clotting
urinary catheter for fluid monitoring
sliding scale insulin for tight glucose control
fluid, potassium
phosphate replacement for rehydration and electrolyte balance maintenance
consideration of antibiotics if infection caused hyperglycemia.