Endocrine - hypo/hyperthyroidism, diabetes Flashcards
describe the general flow of thyroid hormones
TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) from Hypothalamus acts on the anterior pituitary gland, which releases TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3
Iodine needed for production of T3 and T4
Thyroid tests to determine levels
TSH high + T4 low = HYPOthyroidism
TSH low + T4 high = HYPERthyroidism
describe hyperthyroidism
thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causes hypermetabolic syndrome that affects females more than males
Hyperthyroidism causes
- Grave’s disease - characterized by a goiter, ‘orange-peel’ skin. caused by an antibody-mediated auto-immune reaction that binds to the TSH receptor and chronically stimulates it
- thyroiditis
- excess ingestion of thyroid hormone
- drug-induced - Aminodarone
signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism
intolerance to heat, facial flushing
fine, straight hair, bulging eyes, finger clubbing
tachycardia, tremors, increased systolic BP
diarrhea, weight loss, amenorrhea, edema
hyperthyroidism diagnosis
decreased thyroid stimulating hormone and increased thyroid hormones (T3 & T4)
complications associated with hyperthyroidism
- increased HR, heart failure, muslce wasting, osteopoposis
- Thyroid ‘storm’ - rapid onset with high temp, extreme exhaustion, rapid HR, delerium
- Death
drug therapy for hyperthyroidism
Drug Therapy: -Methimazole -Propylthiouracil (PTU) -Radioactive Iodine Adjunctive Therapy: -Beta-blockers -corticosteroids Surgery: -Thyroidectomy
what are the main anti-thyroid drugs and describe
Propythiouricil and methimazole
These two drugs block the binding of iodine, therfore prevents the formation of thyroid hormones.
Note: may take weeks to see full effect
A/E to PTU and methimazole
granulocytopenia (decrease WBC’s)
rash
peripheral neuritis
common adjuncts (add-ons) to propylthiouracil and methimazole
propranolol to supress tachycardia
corticosteroids to reduce immune respose
radioactive iodine and hyperthyroidism
suitable for most patients, although some prefer to use mainly for older Pt’s
-used when failed medical therapy or surgery
-medical/surgical therapy is contraindicated
NOTE: contraindicated with PREGNANCY and has high incidence to cause hypothyroidism
describe Iodine-131
-radioactive isotope
-concentrates in the thyroid gland
-destruction of thyroid tissue via beta emissions
-reduces thyroid function gradual
Full effects in 2 weeks to 3 months
describe hypothyroidism
deficiency of thyroid hormone or decreased activity of the thyroid gland. affects women more than men
Causes of hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - autoimmune disease where the body’s own antibodies attack the cells of the thyroid
- destruction of thyroid gland (trauma)
- lack of dietary iodine
- drug induced - amiodarone, lithium, interferon-alpha, over-treatment with anti-hyperthyroid drugs
hypothyroidism diagnosis
clinical sign and symptoms
increased TSH
T3/T4 is usually low
signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
intolerance to cold, receding hairline, facial and eye-lid edema, thick tongue/slow speech
apathy, lethargy, dull-blank expression, extreme fatigue
dry skin, muscle aches, anorexia,
constipation, menstrual disturbances
ADVANCED: bradycardia, wieght gain, decreased LOC, cardiac complications
Thyroid hormone drug therapy
LEVOTHYROXINE (T4 analogue) -Synthroid -Eltroxin LIOTHYRONINE (T3 analogue) Dosage: usually start 50-75 mcg/day, increasing dose by 25-50mcg in 6-8 week intervals. Usual dose ~ 75-150mcg/day
A/E to thyroid hormone therapy
headache, palpations (atrial fibrillation), chest pain, heat intolerance, sweating
monitor clinical status of Pt for 6-8 weeks (TSH, T3, T4)
diseases associated with cortisol
too much = Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease
too little = Addison’s disease
what does cortisol do
-controls water and sodium balance
-regulates carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
-production increases during stress
produced by the adrenal gland, mostly in the a.m. (20mg/day)
describe the cortisol loop
hippocampus gets the hypothalamus to release CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone) and acts on the anterior pituitary that then releases ACTH (Adrenocorticotropin hormone) that acts on the adrenal gland to produce more cortisol.
Negative feedback loop. once cortisol levels rise, the hippocampus will not stimulate hypothalamus any further
describe Cushings syndrome/disease
too much cortisol produced as a result of too much ACTH released from pituitary gland.
Pituitary tumor = Cushing’s disease
Adrenal tumor = Cushing’s syndrome
signs/symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome/disease
moon face, Na+ and fluid retention hyperglycemia, personality changes males may develop breasts (gynecomastia) females may have amenorrhea, hirsutism thin skin, purple striae, osteoporosis, fat deposits on back