Endocrine Flashcards
What are the types of thyroid cancer?
Papillary
Follicular
Medullary
Anaplastic
Lymphoma
Which the most common thyroid cancer?
Papillary -70% often young females
What type of medication causes proximal myopathy?
Corticosteroids may cause proximal myopathy
Which two conditions account for 90% of cases of hypercalcaemia:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism: commonest cause in non-hospitalised patients
- Malignancy: the commonest cause in hospitalised patients. This may be due to a number of processes, including;
PTHrP from the tumour e.g. squamous cell lung cancer
bone metastases
myeloma,: due primarily to increased osteoclastic bone resorption caused by local cytokines (e.g. IL-1, tumour necrosis factor) released by the myeloma cells
for this reason, measuring parathyroid hormone levels is the key investigation for patients with hypercalcaemia
Which drug causes hypercalicaemia?
Thiazides, calcium-containing antacids
What are other causes of hypercalcaemia?
sarcoidosis
other causes of granulomas may lead to hypercalcaemia e.g. tuberculosis and histoplasmosis
vitamin D intoxication
acromegaly
thyrotoxicosis
Milk-alkali syndrome
drugs:
thiazides
calcium-containing antacids
dehydration
Addison’s disease
Paget’s disease of the bone
usually normal in this condition but hypercalcaemia may occur with prolonged immobilisation
what acid-base imbalance would you expect in cushings syndrome?
hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis. This patient is presenting with the classical features of Cushing’s syndrome: central adiposity, stretch marks, bruising, hirsutism and acne. The condition is caused by an excess of corticosteroids and has been probably exacerbated by the corticosteroid therapy for her adhesive capsulitis.
Cushing’s syndrome causes hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis because when the levels of cortisol are high, the cortisol that is not inactivated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is free to bind to mineralocorticoid receptors. This causes an increase in water and sodium retention, increased potassium excretion, and increased hydrogen ions excretion. Lower levels of hydrogen ions cause alkalosis and less potassium causes hypokalemia.
What are beginin causes of thyroid nodule?
Multinodular goitre
Thyroid adenoma
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Cysts (colloid, simple, or hemorrhagic)
Which drugs can induce neutrophilia?
Glucocorticoids
What is the best test to diagnose Addison’s disease?
ACTH stimulation test (short Synacthen test)
What is the first-line management in patients with hypercalcaemia?
IV fluids, saline
What is the management of hypercalcaemia?
The initial management of hypercalcaemia is rehydration with normal saline, typically 3-4 litres/day. Following rehydration bisphosphonates may be used. They typically take 2-3 days to work with maximal effect being seen at 7 days
Other options include:
calcitonin - quicker effect than bisphosphonates
steroids in sarcoidosis
Loop diuretics such as furosemide are sometimes used in hypercalcaemia, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate aggressive fluid rehydration. However, they should be used with caution as they may worsen electrolyte derangement and volume depletion.
What is the mechanism of action of empagliflozin?
SGLT-2 inhibitors reversibly inhibit sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) in the renal proximal convoluted tubule
What is mechanism of action of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
SGLT-2 inhibitors reversibly inhibit sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) in the renal proximal convoluted tubule to reduce glucose reabsorption and increase urinary glucose excretion.
Examples include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin.
What is the dietary advice for diabetes?
encourage high fibre, low glycaemic index sources of carbohydrates
include low-fat dairy products and oily fish
control the intake of foods containing saturated fats and trans fatty acids
limited substitution of sucrose-containing foods for other carbohydrates is allowable, but care should be taken to avoid excess energy intake
discourage the use of foods marketed specifically at people with diabetes
initial target weight loss in an overweight person is 5-10%
What are the adverse effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
Important adverse effects include
urinary and genital infection (secondary to glycosuria). Fournier’s gangrene has also been reported
normoglycaemic ketoacidosis
increased risk of lower-limb amputation: feet should be closely monitored
Patients taking SGLT-2 drugs often lose weight, which can be beneficial in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What are the HbAc1 targets?
the average patient who is taking metformin for T2DM, you can titrate up metformin and encourage lifestyle changes to aim for a HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), but should only add a second drug if the HbA1c rises to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)
Why is Raised total T3 and T4 but normal fT3 and fT4 normal in pregnancy?
suggest high concentrations of thyroid binding globulin, which can be seen during pregnancy
What is a side affect of Metoclopramide and why?
galactorrhoea.
Metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist, hence blocking its action. Dopamine normally acts as a natural inhibitor of prolactin release from the pituitary gland. By blocking dopamine receptors, metoclopramide interferes with this inhibitory effect. As a result, prolactin secretion is disinhibited, leading to an increase in circulating prolactin levels, causing galactorrhoea, and the release of breast milk.
What is an important side effect of sulfonylureas?
hypoglycaemia
What is the BMI classification?
What are the Important adverse effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
urinary and genital infection (secondary to glycosuria). Fournier’s gangrene has also been reported
normoglycaemic ketoacidosis
increased risk of lower-limb amputation: feet should be closely monitored
What is the treatment of MODY?
The treatment for MODY depends on the specific genetic subtype. For example, MODY2 often does not require specific treatment, as the hyperglycemia is mild and usually does not lead to complications. In contrast, MODY associated with HNF1A often respond well to treatment with low-dose sulfonylureas. Insulin therapy may be necessary in some cases, especially during pregnancy or if sulfonylureas are contraindicated or ineffective.
What is the typical presentation of subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis)?
hyperthyroidism associated with a tender goitre after an upper respiratory tract infection which is the typical presentation
What are the phases of subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis?
There are typically 4 phases;
phase 1 (lasts 3-6 weeks): hyperthyroidism, painful goitre, raised ESR
phase 2 (1-3 weeks): euthyroid
phase 3 (weeks - months): hypothyroidism
phase 4: thyroid structure and function goes back to normal
What are the investigations for subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis?
thyroid scintigraphy: globally reduced uptake of iodine-131
What is the management of subacute (De Quervain’s) thyroiditis?
usually self-limiting - most patients do not require treatment
thyroid pain may respond to aspirin or other NSAIDs
in more severe cases steroids are used, particularly if hypothyroidism develops
What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs primarily in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by severe hyperglycemia, extreme dehydration, and a significant increase in plasma osmolality, without substantial ketosis or acidosis, which differentiates it from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
What is the pathophysiology of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
Insulin Deficiency: Relative insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia but is sufficient to suppress lipolysis and ketogenesis.
Osmotic Diuresis: Excess glucose is excreted in urine, pulling water and electrolytes along with it, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Increased Plasma Osmolality: The concentration of solutes in the blood rises, causing cellular dehydration and contributing to neurological symptoms.
What are the Precipitating factors of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
intercurrent illness
dementia
sedative drugs
What are the clinical features of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
whilst DKA presents within hours of onset, HHS comes on over many days, and consequently, the dehydration and metabolic disturbances may be more extreme
consequences of volume loss
clinical signs of dehydration
polyuria
polydipsia
systemic
lethargy
nausea and vomiting
neurological
altered level of consciousness
focal neurological deficits
haematological
hyperviscosity (may result in myocardial infarctions, stroke and peripheral arterial thrombosis)
What is the management of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
fluid replacement
fluid losses in HHS are estimated to be between 100 - 220 ml/kg
IV 0.9% sodium chloride solution
typically given at 0.5 - 1 L/hour depending on clinical assessment
potassium levels should be monitored and added to fluids depending on the level
insulin
should not be given unless blood glucose stops falling while giving IV fluids
venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
patients are at risk of thrombosis due to hyperviscosity
What are the complications of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State ?
vascular complications may occur due to hyperviscosity:
such as myocardial infarction
stroke