Endocrine Conditions Flashcards
Define Diabetes Mellitus
Syndrome of chronic hyperglycaemia due to relative insulin deficiency, resistance or both
What is the principle organ of glucose homeostasis?
What is its role?
Liver
- Stores and absorbs glucose as glycogen
- Performs gluconeogenesis
- HIGH blood glucose - makes glycogen
- LOW blood glucose - splits glycogen, makes glucose
What are the normal levels of blood glucose?
3.5-8.0mmol/L under all conditions
How does the brain use glucose?
Major consumer.
Cannot use free fatty acids as cannot cross the blood brain barrier.
How does muscle utilise glucose?
Stored as glycogen
OR
metabolised to lactate
OR
to CO2 and H2O
How does adipose tissue utilise glucose?
Uses it as a substrate for triglyceride synthesis
What are the two m ain regulators of blood glucose levels?
Insulin
Glucagon
Describe the role of insulin as a regulator of blood glucose levels (2)
- Supresses hepatic glucose output
- Increases glucose uptake into insulin sensitive tissues
Describe the role of glucagon as a regulator of blood glucose levels (5)
- Increases hepatic glucose output
- Reduces peripheral glucose uptake
- Stimulates peripheral release of gluconeogenesis precursors
- Simulates glycogenolysis and breakdown
- Stimulates lipolysis
Describe biphasic release of insulin
B-cells sense rising glucose levels and aim to metabolise it by releasing insulin.
1st phase - rapid release of stored insulin
2nd phase (if levels still high) - more insulin synthesised (takes longer)
Name 3 other counter regulatory hormones in blood glucose levels
What are their roles?
Adrenaline, cortisol and growth hormones
Increase glucose production in the liver and reduce its utilisation in fat and muscle
How is insulin determined as natural or synthetic?
Presence of C peptide
What is insulin coded on?
Where is it produced?
Chromosome 11
Beta cells of islets of Langerhans of the pancreas
What is the main action of insulin in the fed state?
Regulate glucose release by the liver
What is the main action of insulin in the post-prandial state?
Promote glucose uptake by fat and muscle
What transporter allows glucose into cells
Glucose-transporter (GLUT) proteins
What is the role of GLUT-1
Enables basal non-insulin stimulated glucose uptake into many cells
What is the role of GLUT-2
Transport glucose into the beta cells.
Can detect high levels of glucose and release insulin as a response
What is the role of GLUT-3
Enables non-insulin mediated glucose-uptake into brain, neurones and placenta
What is the role of GLUT-4
Mediates much of the peripheral action of insulin
Diabetes - name 3 microvascular complications
- Retinopathy
- Nephropathy
- Neuropathy
Describe the microvascular complication of diabetes on the eye
High blood glucose and high BP can damage the eye blood vessels, causing retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma
Describe the microvascular complication of diabetes on the kidney
High blood pressure damages small vessels and excess blood glucose overworks the kidneys resulting in nephropathy
Describe the microvascular complication of diabetes on the neuropathy
Hyperglycaemia damages nerves in the peripheral nervous system
This may result in pain and/or numbness
Feet wounds may go undetected and get infected and lead to gangrene
Describe the macrovascular complications of diabetes on the brain
Increases risk of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, including transient ischaemia attack, cognitive impairment etc.
Describe the macrovascular complications of diabetes on the heart
High blood pressure and insulin resistance increases risk of coronary heart disease
Describe the macrovascular effects of diabetes on extremities
Peripheral vascular disease results from narrowing of blood vessels increasing the risk for reduced or lack of blood flow to the legs
Feet wounds are likely to heel slowly contributing to gangrene and other complications
Diabetes - Name 4 macrovascular complications
- Strokes
- Renovascular disease
- Limb ischaemia
- Heart disease
Define type 1 diabetes
Metabolic autoimmune disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia due to an absolute deficiency of insulin.
What is type 1 diabetes caused by
Caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the pancreas.
Define type 2 diabetes
Characterised by insulin resistance and less severe insulin deficiency
Define diabetic ketoacidosis
Acute metabolic complication of diabetes that is potentially fatal and requires prompt medical attention for successful treatment
Name the causes of DKA
Untreated type 1 diabetes (occasionally type 2 diabetes)
Undiagnosed diabetes
Exacerbations of type 1 diabetes
What are the possible causes for type 1 dm
Autoimmune
Idiopathic
Genetics
Enterovirus
Describe the pathophysiology of type 1 dm
Autoimmune destruction by autoantibodies of Beta-cells.
Causes insulin deficiency.
Eventual complete beta cell destruction
No transport of insulin into cells = hyperglycaemia = increased gluconeogenesis
What can be used to see how well beta cells are working
Serum-C peptide
In type 1 diabetes what will serum-C peptide be
Absent
When does type 1 diabetes tend to present
When only 10% beta cells remaining
Name 6 clinical manifestations of type 1 dm
Thirst
Polyuria
Weight loss and fatigue
Hunger
Pruritis vulvae and balitis
Blurred vision
Why is polyuria a manifestation of diabetes
Blood glucose > 10 mmol/L blood can no longer be absorbed
Describe the investigations of diabetes mellitus
Fasting plasma glucose > 7mmol/L (symptoms) or equal to
Random plasma glucose > 11.1 mmol/L (no symptoms x2) equal to
HbA1c > 48 mmol/mol (6.5%)
What is the management of type 1 diabetes
Insulin treatment
2x daily treatment short/medium acting insulin basal bolus and long acting insulin
What does monitoring of diabetes involve
HbA1c
Self-monitoring 4x a day
Annual checks
Name the risk factors of type 1 DM
Younger patients
Northern Europeans
Other autoimmune diseases
HLA-DR3-DQ2
HLA-DR4-DQ8
What are the serotypes for type 1 dm
HLA-DR3-DQ2
HLA-DR4-DQ8
Describe the causes of type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Calorie
Alcohol excess
Genetic link
Describe the pathophysiology of type 2 dm
Insulin levels tend to be higher than in non-diabetics, fall again months/years after - starling curve of the pancreas
Exhaustion of pancreas leads to hypoplasia and hypotrophy.
Hyperglycaemia and lipid excess are toxic to beta cells (glucotoxicity) = further beta cell loss
Name 7 symptoms of type 2 dm
Polydipsia
Polyuria
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss
Recurrent infections
Tiredness
Slow wound healing
Name a sign of type 2 diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans
Approx what % of beta cells are left at diagnosis of type 2 dm
50%
Describe the 1st line management for type 2 dm
- Weight loss and exercise
150 mins moderate exercise over 3 days
DESMOND/xpert
Describe the pathophysiology of DKA
Complete lack of insulin = uncontrolled lipolysis = increased fatty acids = converted into ketones = metabolic acidosis
Increased FFA = increased acetyl-coA which synthesises ketone bodies.
What are the symptoms of DKA
Develop over days
Polyuria and polydipsia
Vomiting and nausea
Weight loss
Weakness
Abdominal pain
Drowsiness and confusion
What are the signs of DKA
Hyperventilation - Kussmaul breathing. Acetone smelling breath
Dehydration
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Coma
What are the risk factors for DKA
Incurrent illness
Treatment errors
Physiological stress
Previously undiagnosed diabetes
Unknown
What are the investigations for a DKA
Plasma glucose > 11 mol
Blood (serum) ketones > 3 mmol
Urine ketones > 2
Bicarbonate < 15 mmol
U&E
K+
What is the management for DKA
FIG PICK
Fluids 3L in 1st 3 hours
Insulin - sliding scale
Glucose (dextrose) + insulin
Potassium
Infection
Chart fluid balance
Ketone monitoring
Define hypoglycaemia
Lower than normal blood glucose concentration
< 3.9 mmol/L
Describe the pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia
Results from an imbalance between glucose supply and glucose utilisation and existing insulin
Name the 3 clinical features of hypoglycaemia
- Autonomic
- Neuroglycopenic
- Non-specific
What is the value of hypoglycaemia
Blood glucose level < 3.9 mmol/L
Name the 5 steps of management in hypoglycaemia
- Recognise symptoms
- Confirm
- Treat 15g fast acting carbohydrates to relieve symptoms
- Re-rest in 15 minutes to ensure blood glucose > 4.0 mmol/L and re-treat if needed
- Eat long acting carbohydrates to prevent recurrence
Define hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia state
Non-ketotic hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome, characterise by profound hyperglycaemia, hyperosmolality and volume depletion in the absence of significant ketoacidosis
Decreased insulin but not enough to cause ketogenesis
Describe the causes of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Most common reaction - infection
Cardiovascular insult
Chronic uncontrolled T2DM
Sedative drugs
Dementia
What are the clinical features of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Happens over days
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Weight loss
Dehydration
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Confusion
N&V
Severe case - shock
What are the investigations of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Hyperglycaemia > 30 mmol
Serum osmolality > 320 osmole/kg
No ketonuria
What is the management of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
ABC approach
IV fluids - saline
LMWH
Restore electrolytes
Careful monitoring
Why is LMWH given in the management of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Due to increased risk of thrombolytic events (blood viscosity)
Describe the pathophysiology of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Medical emergency - due to chronic T2DM
Decreased insulin - but not enough that ketogenesis happens
Overtime causes
- osmotic diuresis
- dehydration
- electrolyte deficiency - hyperglycaemia, diuresis causing hyperosmolality
- mild/no ketones
Name 5 features of an ECG seen in a DKA
Tall peaking T waves
Prolonged QT interval
Widening QRS complex
Prolongation of the ST interval
ST segment elevation
Define hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland
Overproduction of T3/T4
Describe the presentation of hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
Weight decrease
HR increase
Painless goitre
Exothalamous (protrusion of eyes out of the orbit)
Pretibial myxedema
Thyroid acropachy
What is the GS investigation of hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
Measurement of TSH receptor antibody
What condition would this be seen in
TSH - low
T3 - high
T4 - high
Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
What would be the thyroid function tests of hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
TSH - low
T3 - high
T4 - high
What is the 1st line management in hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
Block - carbimazole
Treat - levothyroxine
What is 2nd line management in hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)
Propylthiouracil
Reduction of thyroid gland
Name the conditions which can cause hyperthyroidism
GIST
Graves disease
Inflammatory (thyroiditis)
Solidary toxic thyroid nodule
Toxic multinodular goitre
Define hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Autoimmune causing antithyroid antibodies to damage the thyroid = decreased production of T4/T3
Describe the presentation of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Dry skin, hair and brittle nails
Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold sensitivity
Constipation
Heavy or irregular periods
What is the GS investigation for hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Thyroid function tests
Anti-thyroid peroxide antibodies
What condition would this be seen in
TSH high
T4 normal/low
T3 normal/low
hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
What would be the thyroid function test in hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
TSH high
T4 normal/low
T3 normal/low
What is the 1st line management in hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
Levothyroxine
Describe thyroid cancer
Genetic alterations + mutations
4 types
- papillary
- follicular
- anaplastic
- medullary
Name a key presentation of thyroid cancer
Palpable thyroid nodule
What is the GS investigation in thyroid cancer
Ultrasound neck + fine needle biopsy
What is the 1st line management of thyroid cancer
Thyroidectomy + radioactive iodine
What is the 2nd line management of thyroid cancer
Ablation + suppression of TSH
What are the risk factors of thyroid cancer
Head and neck irradiation
Female
Name 2 complications of thyroid cancer
Increased risk of laryngeal nerve damage
Increased risk of hypoparathyroidism
Define cushing’s syndrome
Excess cortisol
Define cushing’s disease
Caused by endogenous cortisol - ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma
Describe the presentation of cushing’s syndrome
Central obesity
Hirsutism
Purple abdominal striae
Buffalo hump
Moon face
Hyperpigmentation
What is GS investigation of cushing’s syndrome
Dexamethasone suppression test (low dose)
What is a 2nd line investigation in cushing’s syndrome
High dose dexamethasone test - diagnose pituitary adenoma
24-hour urinary free cortisol
MRI pituitary
CT chest and abdomen
What test is used to diagnose cushings disease (caused by a pituitary adenoma)
High dose dexamethasone suppression test
What is GS management for cushing’s syndrome
Trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma
What is 2nd line management for cushing’s syndrome
Cessation of steroids
What is the most common cause of cushing’s syndrome (disease)
Pituitary adenoma
What are the causes of cushing’s syndrome
Pituitary adenoma
Small cell lung cancer
Exogenous steriods
Define acromegaly
Exocrine disorder
Excessive secretion of growth hormone
Describe the clinical features of acromegaly
Bitemporal hemianopia
Large spade hands and feet
Acroparathesia
Back pain
Arthralgia
Oily skin
Amenorrhoea
What is the GS investigation for Acromegaly
Oral glucose tolerance test
What is the 1st line investigation for acromegaly
Insulin-like growth factor-1
What is a possible extra investigation for acromegaly
MRI brain
What is the GS management for acromegaly
Trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumour
What type of condition is acromegaly
Benign
What is the 2nd line management of acromegaly
Somatostatin analogues e.g. octreotide
What is the 3rd line management of acromegaly
Growth hormone receptor antagonists e.g. Pegvisomant
Name the cause of acromegaly
Anterior pituitary adenoma
Describe the pathophysiology of acromegaly
Excessive production of GH = excessive production of insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) = stimulates bone and soft tissue growth
Define prolactinoma
Benign lactotroph adenoma expressing and secreting prolactin
What type of condition is the hypersecretion of prolactin
Secondary hypogonadism
What are the clinical features of prolactinoma in females
Amenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
Infertility
Galactorrhoea
Low libido
What are the clinical features of prolactinoma in males
Low testosterone
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced facial hair
Low libido
What is the GS investigation in prolactinoma
Serum prolactin levels = elevated
Followed by a pituitary MRI
What is the GS management in prolactinoma
Dopamine agonist e.g. oral cabergoline/bromocriptine
What is prolactinoma caused by
Pituitary adenoma
Describe the pathophysiology of prolactinoma
Hormone made by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland - milk in the breast
Define carcinoid syndromes
Release of serotonin and other vasoactive particles into the systemic circulation from a carcinoid tumour
Define a carcinoid tumour
Neuroendocrine tumour growing from neuroendocrine cells
Describe the clinical features of carcinoid tumours and syndromes
Flushing
Diarrhoea
Wheeze
Palpitations
Telangiectasia (vessels visible on the skin)
Abdominal pain
What is the GS investigation for carcinoid tumours and syndromes
Urinary 5-hydrozyincholeacetic acid = elevated levels
What is the GS (cure) of carcinoid tumours and syndromes
Surgery
What is the 2nd line management of carcinoid tumours and syndromes
Somatostatin analogues e.g. octreotide
= blocks the release of tumour mediators and counter peripheral effects
Where do the most common carcinoid tumours arise from
GI tract
then
lungs
liver (common site of metastases)
ovaries thymus
Describe GI carcinoid tumours
Hormone is secreted - enters enterohepatic circulation - live activated hormone = no symptoms
Describe liver metastases carcinoid tumours
Hormone is secreted - released into the circulation due to liver dysfunction = symptoms
Name the risk factors of Graves (hyperthyroidism)
Strong association with other autoimmune conditions - DM1, Addison’s disease, vitiligo
Females
40-60