Endocrine Flashcards
List the hormones of the pituitary.
Hormones of the pituitary (FLAAGTOP):
Anterior: FSH, LH, ACTH, GH, TSH, PL
Posterior: ADH, oxytocin
Is IGF-1 useful in the diagnosis of GHD?
IGF-1 is a marker of GH levels but is NOT useful in the diagnosis for GHD owing to:
- May be normal despite there being GHD
- May be low in other conditions: malnutrition, chronic disease (CKD, liver disease), high oestrogen.
In a patient with epilepsy what is the most appropiate diagnostic test if GHD is suspected?
GHRH/arginine test is most appropiate for Dx of GHD if insulin tolerance test (gold std) is contraindicated e.g. epilepsy.
What is the gold standard test for GHD?
insulin tolerance test
What type of imaging is required for a microprolactinoma?
Pituitary MRI
Describe the basic electrolyte abnormalities and acid-base derangements in Addison’s vs Cushing’s disease.
Addison’s: metabolic acidosis / hyponatraemia / hyperkalaemic
Cushing’s: metabolic alkalosis / hypokalaemic
What are the effects of Conn’s syndrome on BP and serum potassium?
Conn’s syndrome = adrenal adenoma
HTN and hypokalaemia
Where do VIPomas (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) occur?
Commonly: PANCREAS
Rarely (ganglioneuroblastomas): sympathetic chain and adrenal cortex
What is the 4 normal functions of VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide)?
- Increased intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes
- Peripheral vasodilation
- Inhibition of gastric acid secretion
- Potentiates ACh action on salivary glands.
With some of the normal functions of VIP in mind, extrapolate the ‘clinical’ features of the VIPoma syndrome.
- Increased intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes
VIPoma: secretory diarrhoea, dehydration, abdominal colic, weight loss
- Peripheral vasodilation
VIPoma: cutaneous flushing,
- Inhibition of gastric acid secretion
VIPoma: achlorhydria (decreased gastric acid secretion)
What are 5 ‘biochemical’ features of the VIPoma syndrome.
- Hypokalaemic acidosis (due to alkaline secretions)
- Raised urea and calcium (dehydration)
- Raised VIP (obviously)
- Raised pancreatic polypeptide
- Mild rise in glucose
45F with 1 year history of weight gain and intermittent sweating, What is the likely diagnosis? A. Hypothyroidism B. Carcinoid C. Insulinoma D. Lymphoma E. Phaechromocytoma
Which DDx not on this list may also cause the above scenario?
C. Insulinoma = wt gain + sweating
Wt loss and sweating: phaechromocytoma, lymphoma, carcinoid.
Wt gain: hypothyroidism
DDx: primary ovarian failure
Patient on long-term metformin develops cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy and anaemia. What is the problem?
Metformin-associated B12 deficiency.
What is the MOA of denosumab? Which endogenous molecule mimics it’s activity?
RANK ligand inhibitor that inhibits the maturation of osteoclasts - prevents bone degeneration.
Osteoprotegerin is an endogenous RANKL inhibitor.
True/False: Thyrotoxicosis causes hypercalcaemia.
True.
Hypercalcaemia is due to increased bone turnover in thyrotoxicosis.
What is the triad of ‘milk-alkali’ syndrome?
Due to ingestion of large amounts of calcium and absorbable alkali (e.g. HCO3- for PUD):
‘Milk-alkali CAR runs on milk and alkaline batteries’
- Calcium - hypercalcaemia
- Alkalosis - metabolic alkalosis
- Renal impairment
Describe the mechanism of tertiary hyperparathyroidism in patients with CRF.
CRF with prolonged hypocalcaemia have parathyroids that become autonomous despite improvement to renal function (i.e. tranplantation) resulting in hypercalcaemia.
What is the MOA of DPPIV inhibitors, what are they used for?
Oral hypoglycaemics
DPPIV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) inhibitors) prevent the degradation of incretins.
Higher levels of incretin lead to increased GLP-1, which leads to glucagon suppression (unless patient is hypoglycaemic)
Also associated with glucose-dependent insulin stimulation.
True/False: DPPIV inhibitors cause hypoglycaemia.
False.
What is the effect of DPPIV upon gastric motility and weight of patients with T2DM?
Reduced gastric motility.
Weight neutral.
What are bisphosphonates and what is their MOA?
Rx of osteoporosis.
MOA: analogue of pyrophosphate, becomes ingested by osteoclasts and kills them, slows down bone breakdown.
Define hyperosmolar hyperglyaemic state (HHS) in terms of serum osmolality, BSL, and ketosis.
How does HONK fit in this semantic?
How common is coma in HHS?
Serum osmol > 320 mOsm/kg (N = 280-300)
BSL > 30
Minimal ketosis
HONK is a subset of HHS
Coma in 1/3 of cases of HHS
Define DKA (it’s in the name).
DM: BSL > 14mmol/L
Ketosis: serum ketone > 1.5 or UA ++
Acidosis:
- pH < 7.3 (HCO3- < 20)
- high-AG metabolic acidosis
Compare the demographic of DKA and HHS.
DKA = young T1DM that present early with ketotic symptoms (i.e. SOB)
HHS = elderly that presents late dehydrated with AKI.
Patient develops cerebral oedema from aggressive IVF rehydration for DKA. How might this be treated?
Mannitol +/- dexamethasone
What are the recommendations for the treatment of DKA/HHS to avoid cerebral oedema complications (3)?
- Gradual Na+ and H2O replacement
- Gradual reduction of BSL (3mmol/h)
- Add dextrose once target BSL attained (BSL < 15)
How low do ketones have to be in treated DKA before a insulin infusion can be ceased?
ketones < 0.3 mmol/L
What is the target K+ level in the treatment of DKA?
K > 5.0 mmol/L (replacement my be ceased if K > 5.5)
Check every 2h until acidosis resolves.
Whilst treating a DKA, how frequently are the following monitored:
BSL
Venous pH
Ketones
Serum K+
BSL = q1h whilst on insulin infusion
Venous pH = q1h until pH > 7.2
Ketones = BD until ketones < 0.3 mmol/L
Serum K+ = q2h until acidosis resolves
Give 3 broad categories of causes of DKA/HHS.
- Infections (50%)
- Non-compliance or inadequate insulin (i.e. patient unwell or newly Dx)
- Other acute illness that causes insulin resistance (e.g. CVA, IHD, pancreatitis, hyperthyroid, EtOH)
At what renal threshold does glucosuria occur?
Threshold for renal reabsorption of glucose is 10 mmol/L, above which glucosuria occurs.
Measurement of which ketone is the best marker for DKA resolution?
Betahydroxybutyrate - most readily cleared by kidneys.
Acetone and acetoacetic acid may be noted in the urine for days post-resolution of DKA.
List 4 catabolic hormones that INCREASE with stress
GGCC:
Glucagon (body needs sugar)
GH (counterintuitive)
Catecholamines
Cortisol