Endocrinology Flashcards
Where does the thyroid attach to?
Thyroid cartilage
Cricoid cartilage
Trachea
What does the hypothalamus secrete with regard to the thyroid?
Thryotropin releasing hormone (TRH)
What does the pituitary secrete with regard to thyroid?
TSH
What hormones does the thyroid produce?
T3 and T4
Which thyroid hormone is more abundant?
T4 (90%)
Which thyroid hormone is more potent?
T3 (4x)
What is thyroid hormone needed for?
BMR, thermogenesis, metabolism, growth, normal CNS function
When are thyroid hormones at their highest?
At night
What is hypothyroidism?
Clinical effects of having a lack of thyroid hormone
What are symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Tiredness, lower mood, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, hoarseness, dry skin, decreased memory, myalgia, cramps
What are some signs of hypothyroidism?
Bradycardia, ataxia, cold hands, yawning, oedema, round puffy face
What is the difference between primary and secondary hypothyroidism?
Primary is a problem with the thyroid gland
Secondary is due to a problem in pituitary or hypothalamus
What are causes of primary hypothyroidism?
Hashimotos thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, past thyroidectomy, drug induced (amiodarone, lithium)
What are causes of secondary hypothyroidism?
Congenital, craniopharyngioma, panhypopituitarism,
What do TFTs show in primary hypothyroidism?
High TSH, Low T4
What is the management of hypothyroidism?
Thyroxine replacement - start at 50mcg and adjust every 4 weeks until optimised
When should you check TFTs after a dose change?
8-12 weeks
How many thyroxine need adjusted in pregnancy?
Dose increase by 25-50mcg
What are side effects of thyroxine?
Hyperthyroidism, worsening of angina, AF
What is hyperthyroidism?
Clinical effects of excess thyroid hormone
What are symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Diarrhoea, weight loss, appetite increase, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations, tremor, irritability, labile emotions
What are the signs of hyperthyroidism?
Fast/irregular pulse, warm moist skin, fine tremor, palmar erythema, lid lag, goitre, nodules, bruit
What are the specific signs of Graves disease?
Exophthalmos, pretibial myxoedema, thyroid acropachy
What are the main causes of hyperthyroidism?
Graves disease, toxic multinodular goitre, toxic adenoma, ectopic thyroid tissue, subacute thyroiditis, post partum thyroiditis, drugs (amiodarone/lithium)
What do TFTs show in hyperthyroidism?
Low TSH and high free T4
What is the management of hyperthyroidism?
Carbimazole
What is the major risk of carbimazole?
Agranulocytosis
What drug is given for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy?
Propythiouracil
What do TFTs show in sick euthyroid syndrome?
Low TSH and low T4
What do TFTs show in subclinical hypothyroidism?
High TSH normal T4
What do TFTs show in poor thyroid medication compliance?
High TSH normal T4
What surgical options are there for hyperthyroidism?
Thyroidectomy or radioiodine ablation
What is thyroid cancer strongly associated with?
Radiation
How does thyroid cancer present?
Palpable nodules. Often no signs of hypo/hyperthyroidism as does not secrete hormones
What is the commonest type of thyroid cancer?
Papillary
What is the 2nd commonest type of thyroid cancer?
Follicular
What is medullary thyroid cancer associated with?
MEN2
What does medullary thyroid cancer secrete?
Calcitonin
What thyroid cancer carries the worst prognosis?
Anaplastic
How is thyroid cancer treated?
Mainly surgical
What hormone regulates calcium homeostasis?
PTH
How does PTH work?
Stimulates osteoclast activity to get calcium released from the bones and increase calcium levels in the blood
What hormone does the opposite of PTH?
Calcitonin
What are symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
Hypertension, ulcers, fractures, abdominal pain, myopathy, polyuria, thirst/dehydration, confusion, renal stones
What are causes of hypercalcaemia?
Primary hyperparathyroidism Malignancy Drugs (vitamin D, thiazides) Granulomatous disease - sarcoid, TB Pagets disease Being bedridden
Who does primary hyperparathyroidism commonly affect?
Elderly females
What is primary hyperparathyroidism associated with?
MEN1
What do bloods show in primary hyperparathyroidism?
Increased calcium, decreased phosphate, increased PTH
What are the main causes of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Adenoma, hyperplasia, cancer
What is the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Total parathyroidectomy, conservative management if unsuitable for surgery (Cinacalet)
Why does secondary hyperparathyroidism occur?
Because of a low calcium
What are causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Low dietary calcium, low vitamin D, chronic renal failure
What do bloods show in secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Low calcium, high phosphate, high PTH
What treatment do you use for secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Correct the causes
Phosphate binders, calcium & vitamin D
When does tertiary hyperparathyroidism occur?
After prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism
What do bloods show in tertiary hyperparathyroidism show?
Increased calcium, increased phosphate, increased PTH
What are symptoms of hypocalcaemia?
Weakness, seizures, bronchospasm, QT prolongation, muscle cramps, paraesthesia, Trousseau sign, fatigue
What are causes of hypocalcaemia?
Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, chronic renal failure, pancreatitis, hyperventilation, bone mets
What do bloods show in primary hypoparathyroidism?
Low calcium, high phosphate, low PTH
What are causes of hypoparathyroidism?
Removal of parathyroids, DiGeorge syndrome, autoimmune, haemochromatosis
What is pseudohypoparathyroidism?
Failure of target cells to respond to PTH
What features do people with pseudohypoparathyroidism have?
Round faces, obesity, bracydactyly, low IQ
What do bloods show in people with pseudohypoparathyroidism?
Low calcium, high phosphate, normal/high PTH
What is pseudopseudohypoparathyrodism?
Same as pseudohypoparathyroidism but with normal biochemistry
How is hypoparathyroidism treated?
Calcium supplements and calcitriol
What is Pagets disease?
Abnormality of bone remodelling resulting in thick but weak bone
What do bloods show in Pagets?
An isolated rise in ALP
How is Pagets treated?
Bisphosphonates
Where are the adrenal glands found?
Bilaterally superior and medial to the upper poles of the kidneys
What are the adrenal glands composed of?
Outer cortex and inner medulla
What does the zona granulosa of the adrenal cortex secrete?
Mineralocorticoids
What does the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex secrete?
Glucocorticoids
What does the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex secrete?
Sex steroids
What does the medulla of the adrenal gland secrete?
Catecholamines
What are the main causes of primary adrenal insufficiency?
Addisons disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal TB, adrenal malignancy, meningococcal septicaemia
What are the main causes of secondary adrenal insufficiency?
Lack of ACTH stimulation, iatrogenic (steroid use). pituitary/hypothalamic disorders
What is Addison’s disease?
Autoimmune destruction of adrenal glands
What are symptoms of Addison’s disease?
Lethargy, weakness, N&V, weight loss, salt craving, bronzed skin, hypotension
What does the biochemistry show in Addison’s?
Low sodium, High potassium
Hypoglycaemia
Metabolic acidosis
How is Addison’s investigated?
Short synacthen test (cortisol remains low)
How is Addison’s treated?
Hydrocortisone and fludricortisone
What are sick day rules for Addison’s?
Double dose of hydrocortisone
How is an Addisonian crisis treated?
Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM
1 litre IV saline/saline with dextrose over 1 hour
What is congential adrenal hyperplasia?
Group of autosomal recessive disorders
How does CAH present?
Virilisation in females, precocious puberty in males, salt wasting crisis
How is CAH treated?
Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement
Timely recognition important to allow growth
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Chronic glucocorticoid excess, loss of HPA negative feedback and loss of cortisol circadian rhythm
When is cortisol highest?
In the morning
What are ACTH depdendent causes of Cushings syndrome?
Cushings disease (Pituitary adenoma) Ectopic ACTH (SCLC)
What are ACTH independent causes of Cushing’s?
Adrenal adenomas, iatrogenic (steroids), Carney complex, McCune-Albright Syndrome
What are symptoms of Cushing’s?
Weight gain, mood change, gonadal dysfunction, proximal myopathy
What are signs of Cushing’s?
Striae, central obesity, moon face, easy bruising
What is the investigation for Cushings?
Overnight dexamethasone suppression test
How is Cushings treated?
Depends on cause
Iatrogenic - stop steroids
Cushings disease - transphenoidal adrenalectomy
What is primary aldosteronism?
Autonomous production of aldosterone independent of its regulators
What are the main causes of primary aldosteronism?
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
Conn’s syndrome (adrenal adenoma)
How does primary aldeosteronism present?
Asymptomatic or signs of hypokalaemia, increased BP, LVH, atheroma
What does the biochemistry show in primary aldosteronism?
High sodium
Low potassium
What investigation should be done in primary aldosteronism?
Aldosterone:renin ratio
Saline suppression test
How is Conn’s treated?
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy
How is bilateral adrenal hyperplasia treated?
Spironolactone
What is phaeochromocytoma?
Rare catecholamine producing tumour in the adrenals
What is phaeochromocytoma associated with?
MEN, neurofibromatosis, Von-Hippel-Lindau
How does phaeochromocytoma present?
Headache, sweating, tachycardia, flushing, weight loss,, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, lactic acidosis
What investigations are important in phaeochromocytoma?
24hr urinary collection of metanephrines/catecholamines
What is the definitive treatment of a phaeochromocytoma?
Surgical excision
What treatment is given before surgery for a phaeochromocytoma?
Alpha and beta blockade (alpha blockade given first)
What is diabetes?
A chronic condition characterised by elevated glucose levels
What is type 1 diabetes?
Autoimmune destruction of type 1 pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin
Results in an absolute deficiency of insulin and raised glucose levels
What are symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Classic triad of polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss. Fatigue, blurred vission, candida. May present as DKA in younger patients
What is type 2 diabetes?
Relative insulin deficiency due to an excess of adipose tissue
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Asymptomatic or may present with complications e.g. MI, vision issues, kidney failure
What is pre-diabetes?
Term used to describe patients who do not yet reach the criteria for T2DM
How should pre-diabetes be managed?
Require monitoring and lifestyle interventions
What is maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)?
Autosomal dominant inherited disorder affecting insulin production
What does MODY result in?
Younger patients with a T2DM picture
How is MODY treated?
Sulphonylureas
What is latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA)?
Autoimmune destruction of B islet cells occuring in young adults aged 25-40
What may be a clue that the patient has LADA not T2DM?
Inadequate control on T2DM drugs
If a patient has symptoms of diabetes, what criteria is needed for a diagnosis of diabetes?
Fasting glucose more than 7 OR
Random glucose/2 hr post OGTT of over 11.1
If a patient has no symptoms, what criteria is needed for a diagnosis of diabetes?
Fasting glucose more than 7 OR
random glucose/2hr post OGTT over 11.1
TWICE ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS
What is impaired fasting glucose defined as?
Fasting glucose between 6.1 and 7
What should patients with an impaired fasting glucose be offered?
OGTT to rule out diabetes
What is an impaired glucose tolerance?
Between 7.8 and 11.1 on OGTT
What sort of insulin regime is best for mimicking the bodys natural secretions of insulin?
Basal bolus
How are basal bolus doses of insulin divided up?
50% basal and 50% prandial
How many units of insulin per Kg are started to begin with?
0.3 per kg
How often should self glucose monitoring be done?
4 times/day - before each meal and before bed
What should be the glucose targets for T1DM before meals?
4-7mmol/L
What should be the glucose targets for T1DM 1-2hrs after meals?
<10mmol/L
What does HbA1C measure?
Glycosylated haemoglobin
What should be the aim for HbA1C?
48mmol/mol
What are side effects of insulin therapy?
Hypoglycaemia
Lipodystrophy
What is the first line treatment for T2DM?
Metformin
How does metformin work?
Increases insulin sensitivity, decreases gluconeogenesis and carbohydrate absorption
How does metformin affect weight?
Causes weight loss
Does metformin cause hypos?
No
What are side effects of metformin?
GI upset, reduced B12 absorption, lactic acidosis
When is metformin contraindicated?
End stage CKD
How do sulphonylureas work?
Increase insulin secretion
How do sulphonylureas affect weight?
Cause weight gain
Do sulphonylureas cause hypos?
Yes
What are examples of sulphonylureas?
Gliclazide, gliblenclamide, glipizide
How do SGLT-2 inhibitors work?
Block glucose reabsorption in the proximal kidney tubule
How do SGLT-2 inhibitors affect weight?
Cause weight loss
Do SGLT-2 inhibitors cause hypos?
No
What are side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
UTIs, genital thrush
What are examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
Dapagliflozin - ‘gliflozins’
How do DPP-4 inhibitors work?
Propagate the effects of the incretin system
How do DPP-4 inhibitors affect weight?
Neutral
Do DPP-4 inhibitors cause hypos?
No
What are side effects of DPP-4 inhibitors?
Nausea, pancreatitis
What are examples of DPP-4 inhibitors?
Sitagliptin
How do thiazolidinedones work?
Enhance effects of insulin at target sites
How do thiazolidinedones affect weight?
Gain
Do thiazolidinedones cause hypos?
Yes
What are side effects of thiazolidinedones?
Fluid retention, hepatotoxicity, bone fractures
When are thiazolidinedones contraindicated?
CCF, osteoporosis, over 65s
What are examples of thiazolidinedones?
Pioglitazones
How do GLP-1 agonists work?
Propagate natural insulin response
How do GLP-1 agonists affect weight?
Cause weight loss
Do GLP-1 agonists cause hypos?
No
What is an example of a GLP-1 agonist?
Exenatide
What is gliclazide?
Sulphonylurea
What is dapagloflozin?
SGLT-2 inhibitor
What is sitagliptin?
DPP-4 inhibitor
What is pioglitozone?
Thiazolidinedone
What is exentaide?
GLP-1 agonist
What is the HbA1C target in T2DM?
53mmol/mol or less
How long should a diabetic drug be trialled for before discontinuing/introducing a new drug?
3-6 months
How does peripheral diabetic neuropathy present?
Symmetrical sensory neuropathy, glove and stocking numbness, tingling, worse at night
How is peripheral neuropathy in diabetics treated?
Simple analgesia then neuropathic pain agents
How does autonomic neuropathy present in diabetics?
Erectile dysfunction, gastroparesis, sweating, increased HR
What focal neuropathies can be a complication of diabetes?
Carpal tunnel, Bells palsy
What changes can be found in diabetic feet?
Neuropathic and ischameic changes
What sort of ulcers are common in diabetic foot disease?
Typically painless, punched out ulcer, overlying a callus
What treatment is important in diabetic foot disease?
Regular chiropady to remove calluses, check for infections, relieve any high pressure areas
All help to prevent amputation
What is diabetic nephropathy also known as?
Kimmelsteil Wilson syndrome
Nodular glomerulosclerosis
Why doe diabetic nephropathy occur?
Poor glycaemic control first leads to renal hypertrophy and increased eGFR
> increased pressure causes capillary damage and sclerosis
> results in hypertension and further decline in function
What screening test is done in diabetic neprhopathy?
Albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR)
How often should patients ACR be screened in diabetes?
Annually
From aged 12 in T1DM and from diagnosis in T2DM
How is diabetic nephropathy treated?
All patients with microalbuminuria are placed on ACEi/ARB regardless of BP
What changes are seen in diabetic retinopathy?
Blot haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, hard exudates
How often should a diabetic patient without diabetic retinopathy be screened?
Every 2 years
How often should a diabetic patient with diabetic retinopathy be screened?
Every year
How are macrovascular complications of diabetes prevented?
All diabetics over 40 should be on a statin
What causes diabetic ketoacidosis?
Insulin deficiency resulting in an osmotic diuresis and rapid lipolysis
What blood gas is seen in DKA?
Metabolic acidosis
What may precipitate DKA?
Infection, missed insulin doses, MI
What are symptoms of DKA?
Abdominal pain, polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, kussmaul breathing, acetotic breath
What biochemical perameters are needed for diagnosis?
Blood glucose >11 (or known diabetes)
Ketones >3/++ on urine dip
Bicard <15 or pH <7.3
How is DKA managed?
Fluids - 0.9% NaCl bolus
Insulin IV infusion - 0.1 unit/kg/hr
When BG <15, add dextrose to the bag
Add potassium to the bag to correct hypokalaemia
What are complications of DKA?
Gastric stasis, VTE, arrythmias, AKI
What is hypoglycaemia?
Plasma glucose below 3mmol/L
What are symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Sweating, anxiety, hunger, tremor, palpitations, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness
What is the cause of hypoglycaemia?
Fasting (commonly due to insulin, sulphonylureas etc), Post-prandial (T2DM, after gastric surgery)
How is hypoglycaemia treated if the patient is concious?
10-20g of oral sugar if able to taken then long acting carb (e.g. toast)
How is hypoglycaemia treated if the patient is unconcious?
IV glucose (150ml of 10%) or IM glucagon
What is the main cause of acromegaly?
Excress growth hormone due to a pituitary adenoma
What are features of acromegaly?
Coarse facial appearance, spade like hands, large tongue, interdental spaces, excessive sweating, headache, bitemporal hemaniopia
How is acromegaly investigated?
OGTT and measure GH levels (GH levels will not be suppressed in acromegaly)
How is acromegaly treated?
Transphenoidal surgery
Somatostain analogue - octreotide
Which hormones are reduced in stress responses?
Insulin, testosterone, oestrogen
What biochemistry is seen in an addisonian crisis?
Hyponatraemia
Hyperkalaemia
Hypoglycaemia
What are features of Kleinfelters?
Small testes, tall, gynaecomastia, infertility (47XXY)
What are features of Kallmans?
Anosmia, infertility - due to failure of GnRH secretion
What can cause HbA1C to be underestimated?
Sickle cell anaemia
G6PD deficiency
Hereditary spherocytosis
What can cause HbA1C to be overestimated?
Vitmain B12/Folate deficiency
Iron deficient anaemia
Splenectomy
Which patients on insulin do NOT have to inform the DVLA?
People on temporary treatment for 3 months or less and gestational diabetes
What HBA1C is indicative of pre-diabetes?
42-47mmol/mol
What blood gas does Cushings cause?
Hypokalaemia Metabolic Alkalosis