Hormonal and Steroid Under-Secretion Flashcards
What is symptoms of GH deficiency in children and in adults?
Children - failure to grow
Adults - tiredness and depression but can be asymptomatic
What test is needed to diagnose GH deficiency?
Stimulation test needed (insulin stress test or glucagon test)
How can GH deficiency be treated?
Injections (expensive)
What can steroid under-secretion be caused by?
- Adrenal failure (primary)
- Pituitary failure (secondary)
What is clinical presentation of steroid under-production?
- Failure to grow in children
- Severe tiredness
- Dizziness due to low blood pressure
- Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
How can steroid under-secretion be diagnosed?
Stimulation test is needed
- Synacthen test (giving ACTH) if 1ary adrenal failure suspected. Take cortisol reading in 30 mins
- Glucagon or insulin stress test if 2ary pituitary failure is suspected
- No rise = pituitary, one rises = partial pituitary
How can steroid under-secretion be treated?
Tablets (cheap)
What are dangers of failing to diagnose steroid under-secretion and how can this be avoided?
May result in death
If diagnosis is suspected, cortisol should be given even before results are confirmed
What can failure of pituitary be caused by?
- Large tumour
- Infarction
- Other
How can pituitary failure be diagnosed?
Combination of static and stimulatory tests - usually involved multiple hormones
Stimulatory test - tells you about ACTH and GH production
Static test - tests for FSH and LH, thyroid function, prolactin
What is hypercalcaemia?
Calcium level in blood is above normal
What is hypercalcaemia usually a result of?
Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) - too much PTH produced
What is symptoms of hypercalcaemia?
- Thirst and passing too much urine (similar to diabetes)
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
What is hypocalcaemia?
Calcium level in blood is below normal
What is hypocalcaemia caused by?
Underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism) - too little PTH produced
