Hypothyroid Flashcards
hypothyroid
deficiency in thyroid hormones
which thyroid hormones are measured
TSH
T4
how are the different hypothyroid conditions categorised
primary - affects thyroid itself
secondary - affects pituitary
congenital
primary causes
Hashimoto’s disease - commonest cause in developed world
Iodine deficiency - commonest cause in developing world
sub-acute thyroiditis
signs of hypothyroid
weight gain lethargy cold tolerance heavy periods loss lateral side of eyebrow dry skin/hair/scalp goitre
investigation
thyroid function test
management
levothyroxine
investigation results and their causes
raised TSH, low T4 - primary
low TSH, low T4 - secondary
sub-clinical (thyroid start to act abnormal) - raised TSH, normal T4
what antibody is associated with hashimotos
anti-TPO
what are the features of sub-acute thyroiditis
initially presents as hyperthyroid then goes on to be hypothyroid
what drugs can cause hypothyroid
amiadorone
lithium
what would the levels be if the patient wasn’t compliant with levothyroxine
high TSH
normal T4
what should be checked to ensure levothyroxine is effective
TSH
how should hypothyroid be managed during pregnancy
increased levothyroxine dose by 50%
what can reduce the effect of levothyroxine and what must be done to avoid it
Iron and Ca carbonate tablets reduce absorption
take the tablets 4hrs after taking levothyroxine
