IC15 Thyroid disorders Flashcards
Physiologic functions regulated by TH
Main: Oxygen consumption by tissues, basal metabolic rate, lipid metabolism, uptake & utilisation of glucose
Others: Body temperature, CNS, sleep, cardiac & GI functions, muscle strength, breathing, menstrual cycle, skin dryness
TSH
causes of change in levels
Primary causes of conditions → involves thyroid gland pathology
Secondary ⇒ glands work normally; other factors causes hyper/ hypothyroidism
TSH
primary hypothyroidism
Level & reasons
Hypothalamus detect persistently low levels of THs & secretes TRH
TRH instructs pituitary to secrete TSH
* Elevation of TSH supposed to increase TH levels
* However, thyroid gland dysfunction does not allow for stimulation & secretion of THs
TSH continuously increase ⇒ elevated levels
TSH
primary hyperthyroidism
Levels & reasons
Hypothalamus detect persistently elevated levels of THs & no longer secretes TRH
No TRH to instruct pituitary to secrete TSH
* Drop in TSH supposed to decrease TH levels
* However, thyroid gland is functioning independently of TSH → not affected by low TSH
TRH not secreted due to high TH ⇒ TSH low levels
TH: T3
how its derived, t1/2, protein binding
derived from peripheral conversion of T4 by de-ionidination via deiodinases
t1/2 = 2 days; highly protein bound
Irregular, may not be representative of TH stores in body
TH: T4
t1/2, FT4
t1/2 = 6-7 days; highly protein bound
FT4 → unbound & routinely ordered with TSH to evaluate thyroid status
elevated TBG & effects
- lower free T3 [FT3] & free T4 [FT4] levels due to more T3 & T4 binding to extra TBG
(Due to pregnancy/ on oestrogen) - TSH released will instruct thyroid glands to release more THs
- Hence levels of FT3 & FT4 return to normal ⇒ achieve new equilibrium
Antibodies for testing
non-specific & specific
non-specific
ATgA: thyroglobulin Ab
TPO: thyroperoxidase Ab (significantly associated with hypothyroidism)
Diseases with (+) ATgA & TPO ⇒ 95% of Hashimoto; 60-70% of Graves’
Specific
TRAb: thyrotropin receptor IgG Ab
Confirmatory for graves’ disease but expensive
Ab continuously trigger receptors ⇒ TG continuously produce TH
screening
compelling indications
- Presence of autoimmune disease (eg. T1DM, cystic fibrosis)
- First-degree relative with autoimmune thyroid disease
- Psychiatric disorders:
Thyroid abnormalities can induce mood, anxiety, psychosis etc
Important to determine root causes of psychiatric conditions - Taking amiodarone (anti-arrhythmic) or lithium (psychiatric drug)
- Hx of head / neck radiation for malignancies
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism / hyperthyroidism
screening
individuals recommended
paediatrics & pregnant women
thyroid hormones required for growth & development
hypothyroidism
causes: primary
Iodine deficiency → most common
Hashimoto disease (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis)
Most common in areas with iodine sufficiency
(+) ATgA & TPO Ab → disproportionately affects women
Latrogenic: thyroid resection/ radioiodine ablative therapy for hyperthyroidism
Removing too much thyroid glands; lesser TH produced now
hypothyroidism
causes: secondary
Central hypothyroidism
* hypothalamus unable to secrete TRH
* Pituitary unable to secrete TSH
Drug induced: amiodarone, lithium
hypothyroidism
signs & symptoms
CD, G, FWB, SCMP
General: Slowing down of body functions
Cold intolerance, Dry skin
Fatigue, lethargy, weakness, Weight gain, Bradycardia
Slow reflexes, Coarse skin and hair, Menstrual disturbances (more frequent, more blood), Periorbital swelling [edema]
Goiter
clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism
increased risks
Total cholesterol, LDL & triglycerides
ASCVD & MI
Miscarriage
impaired fetal development
cases of concern in hypothyroidism
pregnancy
subclinical hypothyroidism
diagnosis of hypothtyroidism
primary & secondary (labs)
Primary hypothyroidism
↑TSH, ↓ T4
Positive antibodies (TPO, ATgA)
Central hypothyroidism (secondary)
↓TSH, ↓ T4
cases of concern in hypothyroidism
pregnancy
risks, maternal TH, women on levothyroxine
Effects:
* Miscarriage, spontaneous abortion
* Congenital defects, impaired cognitive development
* Maternal THs provide fetus with TH for up to 12 weeks
Fetus TH production only occurs after formation of own thyroid glands
Important for metabolism
Pregnant women on levothyroxine → may need 30-50% increase in pre-pregnant dose to maintain euthyroid status
Target TSH
1st tri: <2.5 mIU/ L
2nd tri: <3.0 mIU/ L
3rd tri: <3.5 mIU/ L
cases of concern in hypothyroidism
subclinical hypothyroidism
increases risks, when to start therapy
Elevated risk
TSH >7.0 mIU/L in older adults → heart failure
TSH >10 mIU/L → coronary heart disease
Considerations for treatment for 25-75 mcg OD:
* TSH >10 mIU/L
* TSH 4.5-10 mIU/L and
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
TPO Ab present
History of CVD, HF or risk factors