Endocrine Flashcards
what level of TSH is diagnostic for overt hypothyroidism
TSH > 10
what are 2 hormone replacement products for thyroid?
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4)
-Liothyronine (T3)
What is Liotrix?
synthetic LT4 and T3 combination product - never use; unpredictable an toxic potential
what is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (synthetic LT4)
between LT4 and T3, which has the longer 1/2 life?
LT4! (1/2 life is 7-10 days)
t3 1/2 life is 24 hours
when is the ONLY time to consider giving patient T3?
when they have impaired conversion of T4 to T3
Why is Armour thyroid and ratio products like Liotrix never used?
risk of toxicity and unpredictable outcomes; also no benefit when compared to Levothyroxine
what is the MOA of levothyroxine?
synthetic LT4; mimics normal physiology of thyroid gland
when do you recheck TSH levels?
6-8 weeks after initiation of levothyroxine
you see a patient 6 weeks after initiating Levo; his TSH are not yet at goal. What do you do?
change the dose by 10-20% and follow up in another 6-8 weeks
T or F: small differences in Levothyroxine can make big differences in TSH levels
TRUE
what is the biggest risk of overtreating a patient with Levothyroxine?
cardiac issues - A.fib
also depression, osteoporosis
when do you advise your patient to take their Levothyroxine?
best when taken in the EVENING on empty stomach
can also take in a.m. 1-2 hours before breakfast/other meds
to avoid drug-drug interactions, pt should take LT4 2 hours before or 6 hours AFTER to reduce the risk of interaction with which types of medications?
calcium
iron
multivitamins
prenatal vitamins
after patient is stable (euthyroid), how often should they come in for monitoring/re-checking levels
6-12 months (more often if pregnant)
T or F: always write the prescription for Levo in mg.
FALSE! correct units are mcg!
what level of TSH is diagnostic of HYPERTHYROIDISM?
TSH < 0.5
what is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Graves Disease
Subclinical hyperthyroidism may become OVERT if:
iodine excess infection stress smoking lithium
Treatment Hyperthyroidism
Beta Blockers (to block palpitations, tremor, anxiety) + PUT/MMI
Specifically what type of Beta Blockers are used for treatment of hyperT
NON-SELECTIVE (propranolol or nadolol)
-these impair the conversion of T4 to T3
you’re supposed to use nonselective betablockers to treat HyperT in patients EXCEPT THOSE WITH
asthma or decompensated HF
use atenolol, clonidine, verapamil, diltiazem
What are some other methods used to reduce thyroid hormone synthesis?
Iodide, anti-thyroid drugs(PTU/MMI), radioactive iodine, surgery
What is the MOA of iodide?
blocks thyroid’s uptake of iodine, inhibiting synthesis and release of thyroid hormone
T or F: it’s ok to use iodide to treat thyroid storm BEFORE radioactive iodine treatment
FALSE!!! this will inhibit the concentration of radioactivity in thyroid, AKA thyroid won’t be able to take up the iodine
What are the 2 most common antithyroid drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism?
Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Methimazole (MMI)
MOA PTU and MMI
interferes with synthesis of thyroid hormones by interfering with iodine incorporation. Also has immunosuppressive effects (helps in Graves)
This antithyroid drug specifically inhibits conversion of T4–> T3
PTU
This medication is the primary therapy for Graves and to prepare for surgery or radioactive iodine administration
PTU/MMI
how often to monitor patient’s being treated for Graves with MMI
every 4-6 weeks until stable (then decrease to maintain euthyroid)
What is the significance of patients who are TSHR-Sab (+)
these patients almost ALWAYS relapse (Graves disease)
what is the black box warning for PTU
severe liver injury (only use if can’t tolerate MMI)
what is agranulocytosis?
decrease in WBC, presenting in first 3 months of MMI/PTU treatment as sudden fever, malaise, sore throat
-may develop sepsis and die
what to do if patient on MMI experiences agranulocytosis
D/C antithyroid drug immediately - give Abx if afebrile, and consider filgrastim
what is the option for thyroid ablation without surgery
radioactive iodine