Endocrine disorders

Question 1

What does the HPA, in HPA axis stand for?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus, (anterior) pituitary gland, adrenal cortex

Question 2

What causes Cushing’s syndrome?

Answer 2

Excess production of cortisol

Question 3

Which art the categories of hormones manufactured by the Adrenal cortex?

Answer 3

• Mineralocorticoids- aldosterone (95%)- promotes sodium resorption from nephrons
• Glucocorticoids- Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is produced in the greatest volume. Glucocorticoids influence cell metabolism, provide resistance to stressors, promote repair of damaged tissues, they also suppress the immune system and inflammatory processes of the body, hence their use in inflammatory conditions such as asthma and arthritis.

Question 4

Buffalo hump, increased abdominal fat, moon face, easy bruising, poor wound healing, and increased hair growth on the face of females are all signs of?

Answer 4

Cushings syndrome

Question 5

The hormones produced by the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland that target the adrenal cortex are

Answer 5

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 6

Congenital hypothyroidism, is traditionally called what?

Answer 6

Cretinism

Question 7

What is an abnormal growth of the thyroid gland called?

Answer 7

A goitre

Question 8

What is first-degree adrenal insufficiency called and why is it called first degree?

Answer 8

Addison disease, because the failure of the adrenal cortex to produce hormones is responsible for the condition.

Question 9

Which drugs can be used in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 9

Hydrocortisone (cortisol)
Fludrocortisone (aldosterone)
Prednisolone (mineralocorticoid)

Question 10

Name hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary glands

Answer 10

Anterior pituitary- ACTH, TSH, GH, FSH, prolactin and luteinising hormone (adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone, follicle stimulating hormone)

Posterior pituitary- Oxytocin, ADH

Question 11

Cushing’s disease is primary, secondary, or tertiary hypercortisolemia?

Answer 11

Cushing’s disease is second-degree hypercortisolemia caused by overproduction of ACTH by the anterior pituitary gland (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Question 12

Name some common symptoms of hypercortisolemia

Answer 12

Buffalo back, trunkal obesity, slow wound healing, increased risk of infection, moon face, glucose intolerance, hypertension, thinning of the skin, excess hair growth (hirsutism),

Question 13

Name some common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency

Answer 13

Fatigue, lack of stamina, loss of energy
reduced muscle strength
Increase irritability
Nausea
Weight loss
Muscle and join pain
Abdominal pain
Low blood pressure
Loss of libido in women.

Question 14

Symptoms unique to Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency)-

Answer 14

• Dehydration, hypovolaemia, postural hypotension, low levels of sodium, and high levels of potassium, due to lost production of aldosterone.
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin due to high levels of ACTH.

Question 15

What are the 5-Ss used in treating an acute adrenal crisis?

Answer 15

Salt replacement, sugar replacement, steroid
replacement, support of physiological
functioning, search for/treat underlying cause
(e.g. infection)

Question 16

The absence of which mineral in the diet is associated with hypothyroidism?

Answer 16

Iodine

Question 17

What is the cause of thyroid storm, what circumstances can bring it about, and what are its symptoms?

Answer 17

• High blood levels of thyroid hormone.
• Increased sympathetic nervous system activity caused by emotional, physical trauma and stress, can also occur as a result of thyroidectomy surgery.
• Hyperthermia (over 40 degrees celsius), tachycardia, agitation, and confusion, and potentially atrial fibrillation and D&V.