Endocrine Part 3 Flashcards
Steroids| Thyroid | Osteoporosis|Gout| DMARD|
Q143: What is adrenal suppression?
Condition where adrenal glands DO NOT produce enough amounts of corticosteroids (cortisol)
mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) which helps regulate Na+, K+ and water retention.
80% due to Addison’s disease.
Q144: Examples of 2 hormones released by adrenal cortex for water and electrolyte regulation?
Aldosterone (mineralocorticoid), Cortisol (Glucocorticoid)
Q145: Difference between Cushing’s and Addison’s disease?
Addisons:
Body has little
cortisol
,
Get thinner,
Hypoglycemia,
Hyperkalemia,
Hyponatremia,
Postural hypotension.
**Cushing’s: Bodyhas
too much cortisol,
Get fat,
Hyperglycemia,
Hypokalemia,
Hypernatremia,
Hypertension.
Q146: Signs of adrenal suppression?
Fatigue,
gastrointestinal upset,
anorexia, weight loss,
musculoskeletal symptoms,
hypoglycemia,
hyperkalemia,
hyponatremia,
dizziness, syncope.
Life-threatening: severe dehydration, hypotension, shock, seizures, stroke, cardiac arrest.
Q147: How to minimize corticosteroid side effects?
Lowest dose,
single morning dose,
local vs. systemic,
short course,
use spacer devices.
Q148: Two corticosteroids that should never be given together and why?
Betamethasone—-or ———–dexamethasone
with fludrocortisone
due to severe side effects.
Q149: Beneficial use of drug with high mineralocorticoid activity?
If drug also has lower glucocorticoid activity, avoiding side effects.
Q150: Combo of corticosteroids for replacement physiological states?
Hydrocortisone + fludrocortisone.
Q151: Beneficial use of drug with high glucocorticoid activity?
When accompanied by low mineralocorticoid activity.
Q152: Drug with highest glucocorticoid activity?
Betamethasone and dexamethasone.
Q153: Side effects of systemic corticosteroids?
Chorioretinopathy,
adrenal suppression,
infections,
neuropsychiatric effects,
osteoporosis.
Q154: Are corticosteroids safe in pregnancy?
Yes, benefit > risk.
Q155: Gradual vs. abrupt corticosteroid dose reduction?
Gradual withdrawal for certain conditions, abrupt for short-term use.
Q156: What is hyperthyroidism?
Excessive production of thyroid hormones leading to thyrotoxicosis.
Q157: Blood test results for hyperthyroidism?
TSH (Low), T4 (High).
Q158: Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- Goitre,
- hyperactivity,
- disturbed sleep,
- fatigue,
- palpitations,
- anxiety,
- weight loss,
- heat intolerance,
- diarrhea, complications.
Q159: Drugs for HYPERthyroidism?
Carbimazole, Propylthiouracil.
Q160: How do carbimazole and propylthiouracil work?
- Carbimazole reduces iodine and diiodotyrosine,
- propylthiouracil inhibits new thyroid hormone production.
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Q161: What is blocking replacement therapy, and when should it be avoided?
- Using thyroid and antithyroid drugs together to bring thyroid activity back to normal.
- Avoid in pregnancy due to potential fetal goitre.
Q162: Name 3 less commonly used antithyroid drugs and their uses.
- Iodine (adjunct to antithyroid drugs),
- radioactive sodium iodide (treatment of thyrotoxicosis),
- Propranolol (relieve thyrotoxic symptoms).
Q163: What is a thyroid storm/thyrotoxic crisis, and how is it treated?
- Life-threatening OVERACTIVE thyroid.
Treatment: IV fluids,
1. propranolol,
2. hydrocortisone,
3. oral iodine solution,
4. carbimazole
5. Propylthiouracil.
Q164: Which antithyroid drugs are safe in pregnancy, and when can they be given?
- **Propylthiouracil is safe in the 1st trimester;
- carbimazole should be avoided due to potential congenital effects.
Switch to carbimazole in the 2nd trimester if necessary.
Q165: What is hypothyroidism?
When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (T4). TSH is high.
Q166: Blood test results for hypothyroidism?
LOW fT4, HIGH TSH.
Q167: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- Fatigue,
- weight gain,
- constipation,
- menstrual irregularities,
- depression,
- dry skin,
- intolerance to cold, complications.
Q168: Make a table comparing the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders.
See table in previous response.
Q169: Causes of hypothyroidism?
- Autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto’s),
- iodine deficiency,
- thyroid surgery,
- pregnancy (sometimes),
- drugs (lithium & amiodarone).
Q170: Uses of thyroid hormones?
Hypothyroidism, diffuse non-toxic goitre, thyroid carcinoma.
Q171: Drugs for HYPOthyroidism?
Levothyroxine, Liothyronine.
Q172: Contraindications for levothyroxine and liothyronine?
Thyrotoxicosis in both.
Q173: When is liothyronine indicated over levothyroxine?
When rapid reversal of severe hypothyroidism is needed; liothyronine works faster.
Q174: Why isn’t liothyronine recommended over levothyroxine by the NHS?
Uncertainty about long-term adverse effects and insufficient evidence of benefit.
Q175: Side effects of levothyroxine and liothyronine?
- Weight decreased,
- edema,
- vomiting,
- flushing,
- diarrhea,
- headache,
- anxiety, muscle weakness.