Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism? (10)
- Goiter
- Hyperactivity
- Disturbed sleep
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Heat intolerance
- Increased appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Diarrhea
(Others)
What are the main complications of hyperthyroidism? (6)
- Graves’ orbitopathy
- Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis)
- Pregnancy complications
- Reduced bone mineral density
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
What are the main risk factors for hyperthyroidism? (4)
- Smoking
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Co-existant autoimmune conditions
- Low iodine intake
Primary hyperthyroidism refers to when the condition arises from the __________ rather than due to a ______________ disorder
thyroid gland
pituitary or hypothalamic
What is the most common cause of primary hyperthyroidism?
Graves’ disease (autoimmune disorder mediated by antibodies that stimulate the thyroid-simulating hormone (TSH) receptors)
What are the less common causes of primary hyperthyroidism? (2)
- Toxic multinodular goiter (autonomously functions thyroid nodules that secrete excess thyroid hormone
- Drug-induced thyrotoxicosis
In overt hyperthyroidism, TSH levels are _______ and FT3 and/or FT4 levels are _______.
Below the reference range
Above the reference range
In subclinical hyperthyroidism, TSH levels are _______ and FT3 and/or FT4 levels are _______.
Low
Within the reference range
What are the aims of treatment for hyperthyroidism? (3)
- Alleviate symptoms
- Align thyroid function tests within or close to the reference range
- Reduce the risk of long-term complications
What are the non-drug treatment options for primary hyperthyroidism? (2)
- Radioactive iodine
- Surgery (total or partial thyroidectomy)
**whilst awaiting these treatments, antithyroid drugs should be offered to control hyperthyroidism
True or false: thyroid storm is a medical emergency
True
Refer patients urgently to an endocrinologist if a pituitary or hypothalamic disorder is suspected, and refer or discuss with an endocrinologist all patients with new-onset hyperthyroidism (base urgency on clinical judgement); if malignancy is suspected, refer patients using a suspected cancer pathway
What three aspects of hyperthyroidism management should be explained to patients?
- Some patients feel well even when their thyroid function tests are outside the reference range
- Even when they have no symptoms, treatment may be advised to reduce the risk of long-term complications
- Symptoms may lag behind treatment changes for several weeks to months
_________ should be considered alongside supportive treatment (eg beta-blockers) for patients with hyperthyroidism, awaiting specialist assessment and further treatment
Antithyroid drugs
Carbimazole is first line
PTU may be offered to patients in whom carbimazole is unsuitable
Before starting antithyroid drugs, check ________ and ________
FBC
LFTs
Under specialist care, ____________ is recommended as first-line definitive treatment for Graves’ disease unless it is unsuitable or remission is likely to be achieved with antithyroid drugs.
radioactive iodine
For patients with Graves’ disease in whom an antithyroid drug is likely to achieve remission (such as in mild and uncomplicated cases), a choice of either ___________ or _____________ should be offered.
carbimazole
radioactive iodine
- Carbimazole should be offered as first-line definitive treatment if radioactive iodine and surgery are unsuitable treatment options