Hypothyroidism

Question 1

Best way to define hypothyroidism?

Answer 1

Structural or functional problem with the thyroid gland where we are not producing enough thyroid hormone

Question 2

Congenital hypo is most often the result of what?

Answer 2

Endemic iodine deficiency in diet

Question 3

What is the most common cause of hypo when patients have plenty of iodine?

Answer 3

Autoimmune hypo

Question 4

What are 3 ways that cause iatrogenic hypo?

Answer 4

Surgery, radiation, or drugs

Question 5

Most common cause of secondary hypo?

Answer 5

Really anything effecting the pituitary gland from producing TSH or rarely hypothalamus not producing TRH.

Question 6

Explain what cretinism is and what are 4 clinical signs of the condition?

Answer 6

Hypo that develops in infants and children. 
Mental retardation
Growth retardation
Coarse face
Umbilical hernias

Question 7

Explain why there is severe mental retardation?

Answer 7

T3 and T4 are critical for fetal brain development

Question 8

Explain the condition myxedma and 4 clinical signs associated with the condition?

Answer 8

Hypo in older children and adults. 
Mental and physical sluggish
Weight gain
Low cardiac effects
Cold intolerant

Question 9

What is a lab value that is associated with hypo and relevant to the cardiac effects in hypo?

Answer 9

High cholesterol

Question 10

What is the most sensitive screening test for primary hypo and what will it show?

Answer 10

Test TSH levels. If it is primary hypo, TSH is elevated.