List I - Core Conditions Flashcards

1
Q

What is type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency result in persistent hyperglycaemia
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2
Q

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Obesity and inactivity
  • Family history
  • Ethinicity - Asian, African and Black communities
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Drug treatments
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Low birth weight for gestational age
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3
Q

How many people in the UK have type 2 diabetes?

A
  • 3.5 million (including 31,500 children and young people under the age of 19 years)
  • Estimated there are over half a million people with undiagnosed diabetes
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4
Q

What is the prognosis of people with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • With optimal management people can participate normally in the usual activities of daily life but are at risk of complications
  • Insulin deficiency in type 2 progresses with time and usually worsens over a period of years
  • Initial management is with lifestyle (diet and exercise) over time people may need antidiabetic drug treatments
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5
Q

What are the macrovascular complications of diabetes?

A
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • MI, CVD, peripheral arterial disease (e.g. intermittent claudication)
  • CVD accounted for 52% of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Twofold increased risk of stroke within the first 5 years of diagnosis compared with the general population
  • 20% of hospital admissions for heart failure, MI, and stroke are in people with diabetes (type 1 or 2)
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6
Q

What are the microvascular complications of diabetes?

A
  • Nephropathy - 3/4 people with diabetes will develop some stage of CKD in their lifetime
  • Retinopathy - diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in people of working age in the UK
  • Diabetic retinopathy accounts for 7% of people who are registered blind in England and Wales
  • Chronic painful neuropathy - estimated to affect up to 26% of people with type 2 diabetes and people with diabetes are up to 30 times more likely to have an amputation compared with the general population
  • Autonomic neuropathy - presents in different ways including sweating, blood vessels (postural hypotension), GI (gastroparesis and diarrhoea), heart, bladder and sexual function (35-90% of men with diabetes have erectile dysfunction)
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7
Q

What other complications are there from type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Psychological - anxiety and depression (incl. children with behavioural and conduct disorders)
  • Reduced quality of life - challenges of daily living hyper/hypo and monitoring
  • Infections - UTI and skin
  • Reduced life expectancy - reduced by an average of 10 years
  • Dementia - 1.5 - 2.5 fold increased risk of dementia
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8
Q

How should a diagnosis be made of type 2 diabetes in adults?

A
  • HbA1c of 40mmol/litre (6.5%) or more
  • Or if HbA1c is inappropriate e.g. end stage CKD, diagnosis is made by a fasting blood glucose level of 7.0mmol/l or greater
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9
Q

How should diagnosis of type 2 diabetes be made in an asymptomatic person?

A
  • Never on a single abnormal HbA1c or fasting glucose level
  • At least one additional abnormal HbA1c or plasma glucose level is essential
  • If the second test result is normal arrange regular review of the person
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10
Q

How should diagnosis of type 2 diabetes be made in a symptomatic person?

A
  • Diabetes can be diagnosed with more confidence on the basis of a single abnormal HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose level (a second test would be sensible)
  • Be aware that sever hyperglycaemia in people with an acute infection, trauma, or circulatory may be transitory and should not be regarded as diagnostic of diabetes
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11
Q

In which groups should diagnosis of type 2 diabetes diagnosis not be made on the basis of HbA1c?

A
  • Children and young people <18 years
  • Pregnant women or 2 months post partum
  • People with diabetes symptoms less than 2 months
  • People at high diabetes risk who are acutely ill
  • People taking medication that may cause hyperglycaemia (corticosteroids)
  • People with acute pancreatic damage, including pancreatic surgery
  • People with end stage CKD
  • People with HIV infection
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12
Q

In which groups should interpretation of HbA1c to diagnose diabetes be made with caution?

A
  • Abnormal haemoglobin
  • Anaemia
  • Altered red cell lifespan (post-splenectomy)
  • Recent blood transfusion
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13
Q

What is the initial care and support offered to an adult with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Ensure that an individual care plan is set up for all adults with type 2 diabetes
  • Offer a structured group education programme (DESMOND)
  • Ensure the person and/or their family/carers know how to contact the diabetes team during working hours
  • Provide information on government disability benefits
  • Manage life style issues such as diet and exercise
  • Screen for the complications of type 2 diabetes
  • Provide up to date information on diabetes support groups - diabetes UK
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14
Q

What is the DESMOND programme?

A
  • Diabetes Education for Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed
  • Offer at time of diagnosis with annual reinforcement and review
  • Explain structured education is an integral part of their diabetes care
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15
Q

What is the diet advice you should give to people with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Emphasise the importance of a healthy balanced diet
  • Low fibre, fruit, vegetables, wholegrain and pulses, low fat dairy products and oily fish
  • Control intake of foods containing saturated and trans fatty acids
  • If the person is overweight advise a body weight loss target of 5-10%
  • Consider referring to a dietitian
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16
Q

What is the advice on exercise and physical activity you should give to people with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Advise that regular exercise may lower blood glucose levels
  • All adults aged over 19 years should aim to be active daily
  • Over a week should add up to 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking or cycling) in bouts of 10 minutes or more
  • Alternatively 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (running or playing football) spread through the week or combinations of both
  • Adults should take part in muscle strength training on at least 2 days per week
  • Time spent sedentary should be minimised
  • Older adults with risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and coordination on at least 2 days per week
  • Advise that regular exercise can
  • Reduce their increased cardiovascular risk in the medium and long term
  • Help with weight management (combined with a healthy diet)
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17
Q

What is the advice to people with diabetes on alcohol intake?

A
  • Give information on the maximum alcohol intake
  • Advise to avoid drinking on an empty stomach
  • Alcohol absorbed faster
  • Eat a snack that contains carbohydrate before and after alcohol
  • Advise that alcohol may exacerbate or prolong the hypoglycaemic effect or antidiabetic drugs
  • Signs of hypoglycaemia may become less clear and delayed hypoglycaemia may occur several hours after alcohol
  • Advise on wearing a MedicAlert bracelet or Diabetes ID card
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18
Q

What is the advice to people with diabetes regarding smoking?

A
  • If they smoke advise to stop
  • Advise it is a cardiovascular risk factor
  • Explain about the dangers of substance misuse
  • Advise young adult non-smokers never to start smoking
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19
Q

What are the targets of HbA1c for people with type 2 daibetes to aim for to reduce the risk of long term vascular complications?

A
  • Diet and lifestyle - 48mmol/mol (6.5%)
  • Diet and lifestyle combined with a single drug not associated with hypoglycaemia (metformin) - 48mmol/mol (6.5%)
  • People taking a drug associated with hypoglycaemia (sulphonylurea) - 53mmol/mol (7.0%)
  • 58 mmol/mol
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20
Q

Following diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, what should the monitoring frequency be?

A
  • Measure HbA1c at 3-6 monthly intervals (tailored to individual needs) until the HbA1c is stable on unchanging treatment, then at 6 monthly intervals
  • If the person achieves HbA1c lower than their target they should be encouraged to maintain it
  • Do not routinely offer self monitoring of blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes
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21
Q

What is the advice to a person with HbA1c not adequately controlled on a single drug and rises to 58mmol/mol or higher (7.5%)?

A
  • Reinforce advice on diet and lifestyle and adherence to antidiabetic drug treatment
  • Support the person to aim for HbA1c 53mmol/mol (7.0%)
  • Intensify drug treatment
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22
Q

How should HbA1c control be managed in older and frail people?

A
  • Case by case
  • Consider relaxing the target if the person is:
  • Unlikely to achieve long term risk reduction benefits
  • Risk of hypo could risk fall or injury
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23
Q

When is there a role for self monitoring blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Person is on insulin therapy
  • Evidence of hypoglycaemic episodes
  • Drug treatment has a risk of hypo
  • Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
  • When on corticosteroids
  • To confirm suspected hypoglycaemia
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24
Q

What can lead to worsening hyperglycaemia in adults with type 2 daibetes?

A
  • Intercurrent illness or infection
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25
Q

How should a person with type 2 diabetes with intercurrent illness be managed?

A
  • Consider the need for hospital admission or seeking specialist advice
  • Managing in primary care
  • Assess and manage the illness
  • Assess how well the blood glucose has been managed
  • Warn that the illness may affect blood glucose control
  • Consider self monitoring of blood glucose
  • Ensure the person has written contact details of their diabetes specialist team
  • Ensure the person has sick day food and hydration supplies at home
  • Easily digestible food and sugary drinks
  • Oral rehydration food and sugary drinks
  • Glucose tablets or oral gel
  • Equipment for self monitoring
  • Additional supplies of insulin (if on insulin therapy)
  • A glucagon kit (if appropriate)
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26
Q

What are the sick day rules for a person with diabetes type 2?

A
  • If on insulin therapy, they should not stop treatment
  • If self monitoring indicated it should be done carefully and frequently
  • Consider ketone monitoring
  • Maintain normal meal pattern where possible
  • Aim to drink at least 3 L of fluid a day to prevent dehydration, seek urgent medical advice if:
  • Sick, drowsy or unable to keep fluids down
  • Have persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
  • When feeling better they should continue to monitor their glucose levels until they return to normal
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27
Q

Which drug treatment is first line for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Metformin - gradually increase the dose over several weeks to minimise the risk of adverse effects such as GI
  • Trial of modified release metformin if GI effects are intolerable
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28
Q

Which drug is offered if metformin is contraindicated for type 2 diabetes?

A

One of the following:

  • Gliptin
  • Pioglitazone
  • Sulfonylurea
  • SGLT-2i
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29
Q

If the first line treatment for type 2 diabetes is contraindicated what can be added?

A

Metformin plus one of the following:

  • Metformin plus a gliptin, or
  • Metformin plus pioglitazone, or
  • Metformin plus a sulfonylurea.
  • Metformin plus an SGLT-2i

For people in whom metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated, consider the following:

  • A gliptin plus pioglitazone, or
  • A gliptin plus a sulfonylurea, or
  • Pioglitazone plus a sulfonylurea.
  • An SGLT-2i instead of a gliptin if a sulfonylurea or pioglitazone is not appropriate
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30
Q

If the second line treatment for type 2 diabetes is contraindicated what can be added?

A

For people who can take metformin:

  • Triple therapy with metformin, a gliptin, and a sulfonylurea, or
  • Triple therapy with metformin, pioglitazone, and a sulfonylurea, or
  • Triple therapy with metformin, pioglitazone or a sulfonylurea and an SGLT-2i. (The SGLT-2i dapagliflozin in a triple therapy regimen is recommended as an option for treating type 2 diabetes in adults, only in combination with metformin and a sulfonylurea NOT pioglitazone), or
  • Starting insulin-based treatment. See the CKS topic on Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes for more information.
  • For people in whom metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated:
  • Consider starting insulin-based treatment.
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31
Q

If the third line treatment for type 2 diabetes is contraindicated what can be added?

A

For people on triple therapy with metformin and two other oral antidiabetic drugs, consider combination treatment with metformin, a sulfonylurea, and a glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) mimetic for:
* Adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher (adjust accordingly for people from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups) and specific psychological or other medical problems associated with obesity, or
* Adults who have a BMI lower than 35 kg/m2 and insulin therapy would have significant occupational implications, or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities.
* Or a combination of metformin, a DPP-4 inhibitor and the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin for people with diabetes only if the disease is uncontrolled with metformin and a DPP‑4 inhibitor, and a sulfonylurea or pioglitazone is not appropriate.
* For people on insulin-based treatment:
Seek specialist advice (or refer the person to their diabetes team) for consideration of treatment with a GLP-1 mimetic plus insulin.

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32
Q

How should screening/review for type 2 diabetes be done?

A
  • At every review appointment
  • Measure height, weight and waist circumference and calculate BMI
  • Assess for anxiety and depression
  • Check smoking status
  • Assess for neuropathy
  • Every 6 months
  • Measure HbA1c
  • Once a year screen for:
  • Retinopathy
  • Diabetic foot problems
  • Nephropathy
  • Cardiovascular risk factors
  • On insulin - check injection sites
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33
Q

When is retinopathy screening done for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • At time of diagnosis, annually thereafter
  • Emergency review by opthalmologist if there is:
  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Rubeosis iridis
  • Pre-retinal or vitreous haemorrhage
  • Retinal detachment
  • Urgent review by an opthalmologist if there is:
  • Abnormal vessels on the retina
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34
Q

What does diabetic foot screening entail for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • At time of diagnosis, annually thereafter
  • Advice about foot care, foot wear, persons risk of developing a foot problem, information about blood glucose control
  • Examination
  • Neuropathy - 10g monofilament for foot sensory examination
  • Limb ischaemia - ABPI
  • Ulceration
  • Callus formation
  • Infection and/or inflammation
  • Deformity
  • Gangrene
  • Charcot arthropathy (acute, localised inflammatory condition that may lead to varying degrees of bone destruction, subluxation, dislocation and deformity)
  • Categorise on examination findings - low, medium or high risk
  • Management - based on foot ulceration risk category
  • Low risk - continue annual assessments
  • High risk - referral to foot protection service, seen within 2-4 weeks if at high risk or 6-8 weeks if moderate risk
  • Dependent on the persons risk of developing a diabetic foot problem, reassessments should be carried out as follows:
  • Annually - low risk
  • Frequently (3-6 monthly) - moderate risk
  • More frequent (1-2 monthly) - high risk with no immediate concern
  • Very frequently (1-2 weekly) - high risk with immediate concern
  • More frequent assessments for people who are not able to check their own feet
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35
Q

What does nephropathy screening entail for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Perform annually
  • Send a first pass early morning specimen for ACR and measure eGFR
  • CKD diagnosed when tests show reduction in kidney function or presence of proteinuria (>3 months) eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m2 and/ or ACR persistently >3mg/mmol
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36
Q

What does cardiovascular risk factor screening entail for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Assess annually
  • Assess the following
  • Age
  • Albuminuria
  • Smoking status
  • Blood glucose control
  • Blood pressure
  • Full lipid profile (HDL, LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides)
  • Family history of CVD
  • Waist circumference
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37
Q

How should people on anti-hypertensive drug treatment with type 2 diabetes be managed?

A
  • Manage hypertension with antihypertensive medication
  • Review BP control and treatments
  • For patients under 80 years reduce clinic BP to below 140/90 and maintain that level
    For patients aged 80 and over reduce clinic BP to below 150/90 and maintain that level
  • Use ABPM or HBPM but be aware that HBPM levels are 5mmHg lower than ABPM
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38
Q

How should people with type 2 diabetes without previously diagnosed hypertension or nephropathy be assessed?

A
  • Measure BP at least annually and reinforce lifestyle advice
  • Confirm a diagnosis of hypertension in people with:
  • Clinical BP of 140/90 mmHg or higher
  • ABPM daytime average or HBPM average of 135/85mmHg or higher
  • Refer people on the same day for specialist assessment if they have severe hypertension (180/120mmHg) with:
  • Retinal haemorrhage or papilloedema (accelerated hypertension)
  • Life threatening symptoms such as new onset confusion, chest pain, signs of heart failure or acute kidney injury
  • Suspected phaechromocytoma (labile or postural hypotension, headache, palpitations, pallor, abdo pain or diaphoresis)
  • Carry out investigations for target organ damage as soon as possible if a person has severe hypertension but no symptoms or signs indicating same day referral
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39
Q

How should people with type 2 diabetes without previously diagnosed hypertension or nephropathy be treated?

A
  • If target end organ damage is identified, consider starting anti-hypertensive drug treatment immediately without waiting for the results of ABPM or HBPM
  • If no target end organ damage, repeat BP measurement within 7 days
  • Offer anti-hypertensive drug treatment in addition to lifetsyle advice to adults of any age with persistent stage 1 or 2 hypertension
  • Stage 1 BP 140/90 - 159/99
  • Stage 2 BP 160/100 - 180/120
  • Discuss with the person their individual CVD risk and preferences for treatment including no treatment, explain the risks and benefits before starting treatment
  • Consider anti-hypertensive medication for adults under 60 with stage 1 hypertension and a QRISK <10%
  • For adults aged <40 years with hypertension - consider specialist evaluation of secondary causes of hypertension and a more detailed assessment of the long term balance of treatment benefit and risks
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40
Q

If anti-hypertensive treatment is required in type 2 diabetes, what should be offered?

A
  • ACEi or ARB to all adults
  • For black African or African-Caribean, consider ARB in preference to ACEi
  • Do not combine ACEi and ARB
  • Offer CCB next step or
  • Thiazide like diuretic in addition to ACEi or ARB
  • If not controlled after 3 medications, consider adding a fourth antihypertensive drug - measure BP again and assess for postural hypotension
  • Consider adding a fourth medication for people with confirmed resistant hypertension
  • Consider further diuretic therapy with low-dose spironolactone for adults who have a blood potassium level of 4.5mmol/L or less
  • Consider an alpha-blocker or beta-blocker for adults who have a blood pressure level of >4.5mmol/L
  • For women who are considering pregnancy, pregnant or breast feeding manage in line with pregnancy and hypertension guidelines
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41
Q

Which medications should not be offered to manage the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Do not offer antiplatelet treatment (aspirin or clopidogrel)
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42
Q

How should lipid modification be managed for people with type 2 diabetes (without established CVD)?

A
  • Offer statin treatment with 20mg atorvastatin for the primary prevention of CVD if the person is aged 84 years and younger and their estimated 10-year risk of developing CVD using the QRISK2 assessment tool is 10% or more
  • Consider offering statin treatment of atorvastatin 20mg for patients who are 85 years of age or older - formal risk assessment not needed
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43
Q

How should lipid modification be managed for people with type 2 diabetes (with established CVD)?

A
  • Advise statin treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg for the secondary prevention of CVD - formal risk assessment not needed
  • Ensure regular protocol is followed before initiating statin treatment (see coronary heart disease notes)
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44
Q

How should neuropathy be managed for people with type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Erectile dysfunction - consider prescribing a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (sildenafil, etc)
  • Autonomic neuropathy - advise small particle size diet, involve gastroenterologist for consideration of a prokinetic drug such as erythromycin, metoclopramide or domperidone
  • Be aware of increased risks of postural hypotension for adults taking tricyclic antidepressants or antihypertensive medications
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45
Q

What is the recommended dosing of metformin stardard release for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • 500 mg with breakfast for at least 1 week, then 500 mg with breakfast and evening meal for at least 1 week, then 500 mg with breakfast, lunch, and evening meal thereafter; the usual maximum dose is 2 g daily in divided doses
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46
Q

What is the recommended dosing of metformin modified release for type 2 diabetes?

A
  • 500 mg once daily, increased every 10-15 days on the basis of blood glucose measurements, maximum recommended dose is 2 g once daily with evening meal
  • If control is not achieved, 1 g twice daily with meals should be tried
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47
Q

How should metformin be initiated and managed?

A
  • Check eGFR - do not start if eGFR <30mL/min/1.73m2
    During treatment
  • Monitor renal function
  • At least once per year for people with normal renal function
  • At least twice a year for people with impairment or risks such as elderly
  • Review the dose of metformin if eGFR <45mL/min/1.73m2
  • Stop treatment with metformin if eGFR <30 or those at risk of sudden renal function deterioration
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48
Q

What are the contraindications for metformin?

A
  • Do not prescribe to people at risk of lactic acidosis including people with:
  • DKA
  • eGFR <30 standard release or <45 for modified release
  • Acute conditions with potential to alter renal function - dehydration, prolonged fasting, severe infection or shock
  • Hepatic insufficiency, acute alcohol intoxication or alcohol addiction
  • People about to undergo elective surgery - discontinue 48 hours before, restart no earlier than 48 hours following surgery or resumption of oral nutrition if normal renal function has been established
  • Prescribe in caution to people with mild to moderate CKD
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49
Q

What are the adverse effects associated with metformin?

A
  • Gastrointestional - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite - common at the start of treatment and resolve on their own in most cases - therefore gradual increase when starting is recommended
  • Lactic acidosis - rare but potentially fatal adverse effect that can occur due to accumulation
  • Insidious onset - abdo pain, anorexia, hypothermia, lethargy, nausea, respiratory distress and vomiting
  • Stop if eGFR <30
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency - long term and can be a cause of megaloblastic anaemia
  • Hypoglycaemia - metformin alone does not cause hypoglycaemia but caution is advised when it is used in combination with other drugs
  • Taste disturbance - common
  • Skin reactions (rare) - erythema, pruritis and uticaria
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50
Q

What are the drug interactions with metformin?

A
  • Alcohol - increased risk of lactic acidosis
  • Beta blockers - can mask the warning signs of a hypo such as tremor
  • Ketotifen - platelet count may be depressed when meformin is given with ketotifen
  • Topiramate - may increase plasma concentration of metformin
  • Caution advised when taken with other anti-diabetic drugs such as sulfonylurea (risk hypo)
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51
Q

What are gliptins?

A
  • Inhibitors of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4)
  • Plays a major role in glucose metabolism by rapidly degrading the incretins (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) (GIP) and glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) which stimulate postprandial insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion
  • Inhibition of DPP-4 results in increased circulating levels of GIP and GLP-1 following the ingestion of food and to increase insulin secretion and reduced glucagon secretion
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52
Q

What are the gliptins available in the UK?

A
  • Sitagliptin
  • Saxagliptin
  • Vildagliptin
  • Linagliptin
  • Alogliptin
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53
Q

When would a lower dose of gliptin be required?

A
  • Impaired eGFR

* In combination with a sulphonylurea to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia

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54
Q

How should gliptins be initiated and monitored?

A
  • Check LFT and U and E’s
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55
Q

What are the contraindications and cautions for gliptins?

A

Do not prescribe gliptins to people with:
* Keto-acidosis
Avoid in people with:
* Renal impairment - end stage
* Hepatic impairment - avoid in people with ALT or AST greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal
* People with moderate to severe heart failure

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56
Q

What are the adverse effects of gliptins?

A
  • GI disturbance
  • Acute pancreatitis - uncommon but serious
  • Bullous pemphigoid
  • Hypoglycaemia - may occur in combination with other drugs
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Skin and subcutaneous disorders
  • MSK and connective tissue disorders
  • Infections
  • Hepatic dysfunction
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
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57
Q

What drug interactions are associated with gliptins?

A
  • Beta blockers - may mask hypoglycaemia signs
  • ACEi - may increase risk of angioedema
  • Digoxin - sitagliptin increases plasma concentration of digoxin (no dose adjustment required but monitor)
  • Ketoconazole - may increase plasma levels
  • Rifampicin - possibly reduced effects
  • Blood glucose lowering effects may be enhanced by:
  • Alcohol
  • Anabolic steroids
  • MAOI’s
  • Testosterone
  • Blood glucose lowering effects may be impaired by:
  • Corticosteroids
  • Diuretics
  • Oestrogens and progestogens
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58
Q

How does pioglitazone work?

A
  • Reduces peripheral insulin resistance thereby leading to a reduction in blood glucose concentration (does not stimulate insulin secretion)
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59
Q

How should treatment with pioglitazone be initiated and monitored?

A
  • Check LFT - if ALT is more than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal or there is any other evidence of disease, do not start treatment
  • Measure FBC
  • BMI
  • Check for a history of bladder cancer or blood in the urine which has not been investigated - do not start if so

Following initiation of treatment with pioglitazone:

  • Measure ALT
  • Signs of fluid retention
  • Assess the safety and efficacy of pioglitazone 3-6 months after treatment is initiated and regularly afterwards
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60
Q

What is the recommended dose of pioglitazone?

A
  • 15-30 mg daily, increased to 45 mg according to response
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61
Q

What are the contraindications and cautions for pioglitazone?

A

Do not prescribe in people with the following:

  • Heart failure (NYHA stages I to IV)
  • In caution people at risk of developing congestive heart failure
  • DKA
  • Macroscopic haematuria
  • Previous or active bladder cancer
  • Hepatic impairment
  • Start with lowest available dose
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62
Q

What are the possible adverse effects of pioglitazone?

A
  • Fluid retention
  • Bladder cancer
  • Increased risk of bone fractures
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased visual acuity
  • Hypoglycaemia risk increased
  • Liver toxicity
  • GI disturbance, anaemia, headaches, dizziness, arthralgia, hypoaesthesia, haematuria, impotence
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63
Q

What are the drug interactions associated with pioglitazone?

A
  • Beta blockers
  • Gemfibrozil
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lanreotide and octreotide
  • NSAID’s
  • Liver enzyme inducing drugs
  • Blood glucose lowering effects may be enhanced by:
  • Alcohol
  • Anabolic steroids
  • MAOI’s
  • Testosterone
  • Blood glucose lowering effects may be impaired by:
  • Corticosteroids
  • Diuretics
  • Oestrogens and progestogens
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64
Q

How do sulfonylureas work?

A
  • They are insulin secretagogues - act by augmenting insulin secretion and consequently are effective only when some residual pancreatic beta-cell activity is present
  • Five available in the UK
  • Glibenclamide
  • Gliclazide
  • Glimepiride
  • Glipizide
  • Tolbutamide
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65
Q

What are the contraindications and cautions of sulfonylureas?

A

Do not prescribe a sulfonylurea to people with:
* Acute porphoria
* Ketoacidosis
* Severe renal impairment
Prescribe sulphonylurea’s with caution in:
* People with severe hepatic impairment - increased risk of hypo
* People with mild to moderate renal impairment - risk of hypo
* Elderly - risk hypo
* People with G6PD deficiency

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66
Q

What are the adverse effects of sulfonylureas?

A

Generally mild and infrequent

  • GI disturbances
  • Disturbance in liver function
  • Hypersensitivity reactions - occur in the first 6-8 weeks of treatment and consist mainly of allergic skin reactions which progress rarely to erythema multiforme and exfoliative dermatitis, fever and jaundice
  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders - rare
  • Blood disorders
  • Hyponatraemia
  • Dizziness and drowsiness
  • Headaches and tinnitus
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67
Q

When should insulin therapy be considered in type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Blood glucose levels are inadequately controlled despite dual therapy with metformin and another oral anti-diabetic drug
  • Oral anti-diabetic drugs are contraindicated or not tolerated
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68
Q

What are the reasons for not initiating insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes?

A
  • Obesity - can lead to further weight gain
  • Physical and mental health - potential benefits of insulin therapy may not outweigh the potential risks
  • Anxiety about needles
  • Personal preference
  • Concerns regarding group 2 vehicles
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69
Q

How do GLP-1 medications work?

A
  • Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) mimetics bind to and activate the GLP-1 receptor to increase insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion and slow gastric emptying
  • There are 3 GLP-1 mimetics available in the UK
  • Exenatide
  • Liraglutide
  • Lixisenatide
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70
Q

How should treatment with a GLP-1 be initiated and monitored?

A
  • NICE recommends that combination treatment with metformin, sulfonylurea and a GLP-1 mimetic should only be considered if triple therapy with metformin and two other oral anti-diabetic drugs is not effective
  • After 6 months of treatment with a GLP-1 mimetic - check the persons body weight and HbA1c level
  • Only continue treatment if the person has had a beneficial metabolic response (reduction of at least 11 mmol/mol (1%) in HbA1c and a weight loss of at least 3% of initial body weight
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71
Q

What is the mode of action of SGLT-2i?

A
  • Reversible inhibition of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the renal proximal convuluted tubule to reduce glucose reabsorption and increase urinary glucose excretion
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72
Q

What are the 3 licensed SGLT-2i medicines?

A
  • Canagliflozin
  • Dapagliflozin
  • Empagliflozin
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73
Q

What are SGLT-2i medicines indicated for?

A
  • Type 2 diabetes as monotherapy (if metformin inappropriate) or in combination with insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs (if existing treatment fails to achieve adequate glycaemic control)
  • Dapagliflozin in a triple therapy is recommended as an option for treating type 2 diabetes in adults only in combination with metformin and a sulphonylurea
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74
Q

What are the contraindications for using SGLT-2i medicines?

A
  • Serious risk of DKA
  • Test for raised ketones in patients presenting with symptoms of DKA, even if plasma glucose levels are near normal, omitting this test could delay a diagnosis of DKA
  • Stop if DKA is suspected
  • Treat the DKA is confirmed
  • Not recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment <60 eGFR
  • Increased risk of volume depletion
  • Lactose intolerance - tablets contain lactose
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75
Q

What are the adverse effects of SGLT-2i medicines?

A
  • Vulvovaginitis, balanitis, UTI
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Pruritus
  • Frequency of micturation
  • Raised serum lipids
  • Raised haematocrit
  • Fourniers gangrene
  • Dapagliflozin - angioedema - rare
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76
Q

Which drugs interact with SGLT-2i?

A
  • Thiazide and loop diuretics
  • Insulin and insulin secretagogues
  • Enzyme inducers
  • Digoxin
  • Dabigatran
  • Cholestyramine
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77
Q

What is type 1 diabetes mellitus?

A
  • Autoimmune disorder
  • Insulin producing islet cells of Langerhans in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system
  • Results in absolute deficiency of insulin, results in raised glucose levels in the blood
  • Patients tend to develop T1DBM in childhood/early adult life and typically present unwell, possibly in DKA
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78
Q

What are the presenting features of T1DBM?

A
  • Weight loss
  • Polydipsia
  • Polyuria

May present with diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Reduced consciousness level
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79
Q

What is the WHO diagnostic criteria for DBMT1?

A
  • If the patient is symptomatic:
  • Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol/L
  • Random glucose greater than or equal to 11.1 mmol/L (or after 75g oral glucose tolerance test)
  • If the patient is asymptomatic, the above criteria apply but must be present on two separate occasions.
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80
Q

What is the approach to the management of T1DBM?

A
  • Patients always require insulin to control the blood sugar levels
  • This is because there is an absolute deficiency of insulin with no pancreatic tissue left to stimulate with drugs
  • Different types of insulin are available according to their duration of action
  • Requires input of many different specialties and members of the healthcare team
  • Diagnosis of type 1 DBM can still reduce the life expectancy of patients by 13 years
  • Micro and macrovascular complications
81
Q

What are the insulin regimes for T1DBM?

A
  • Offer daily multiple injection basal-bolus insulin regimes, rather than twice-daily mixed insulin regimes as the insulin injection regime of choice for all adults
  • Twice daily insulin determir is the regime of choice
  • Once daily glargine or insulin determir is an alternative
  • Offer rapid acting insulin (Novorapid/Actrapid) analogues injected before meals, rather than rapid acting soluble human or animal insulins, for mealtime insulin replacement for adults with type 1 DBM
  • If basal bolus not working - use the pump
82
Q

When is metformin recommended as an addition to the insulin regime?

A
  • NICE recommend considering adding metformin if the BMI >=25 kg/m2
83
Q

What is the frequency of monitoring HbA1c for patients with T1DBM?

A
  • Every 3-6 months

* Adults should have a target of HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or lower

84
Q

What is the recommended self monitoring frequency of blood glucose for patients with T1DBM?

A
  • Recommend testing at least 4 times a day, including before each meal and before bed
  • More frequent monitoring is recommended if frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes increases, during periods of illness, before, during and after sport, when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breast feeding
85
Q

What are the blood glucose target ranges for people with T1DBM?

A
  • 5-7 mmol/L on waking
  • 4-7 mmol/L before meals at other times of the day
  • 5-9 mmol/L after meals
  • No driving <5 mmol
86
Q

What is the guidance for the management of hypertension in patients with diabetes?

A
  • Type 1
  • Intervention should be at 135/85 mmHg unless the adult with type 1 diabetes has albuminuria or 2 or more features of metabolic syndrome, in which case it should be 130/80 mmHg
  • Type 2
  • <140/90
  • ACEi are first line due to renoprotective effect in diabetes
  • Autonomic neuropathy may result in more postural symptoms in patients taking antihypertensive therapy
  • Avoid beta-blockers, particularly with thiazide diuretics as they may cause insulin resistance, impair insulin secretion and alter the autonomic response to hypoglycaemia
87
Q

What are the risks to the feet in people with DBM?

A
  • Neuropathy
  • Infections
  • Charcot joint
  • Gangrene
  • Amputation
88
Q

How does foot disease occur in DBM?

A
  • Macrovascular - PVD

* Microvascular - neuropathy

89
Q

What are the signs of ischaemia in the foot?

A
  • ABPI <0.5, cold, pale, absent pulse
90
Q

What are the signs of neuropathy in the foot?

A
  • Glove/stocking distribution of sensory neuropathy
  • Reduced vibration sense
  • Absent ankle jerks
  • Deformity - pes cavus/claw toes, loss of transverse arch, rocker bottom feet
91
Q

What is the conservative measures to manage diabetic foot?

A
  • Podiatrist (regular foot exam)
  • Chiropodist (remove calluses)
  • Patient education - daily foot inspection, comfortable shoes with cushioning, no barefoot walking
  • Bed rest if high pressure areas
92
Q

What is the medical management of diabetic foot?

A
  • Antifungals
  • Sympathetic sensory polyneuropathy
  • Aspirin/paracetamol
  • Amytryptyline 10-25mg/24hr
  • Gabapentin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Cellulitis
  • Tazocin 4.5g/6h IV (DBM)
  • Charcot joints
  • Rest
  • Immobilise (total contact cast for 2-3 months to allow for bony repair)
  • Bisphosphonates
93
Q

What is the surgical management of diabetic foot?

A
  • Indicated for deep abscess/infection
  • Spreading anaerobic infection
  • Severe ischaemia (gangrene/rest pain)
  • Suppurative arthritis
94
Q

What is the normal physiology of the thyroid gland?

A
  • Hypothalamus - TRH
  • Anterior pituitary - TSH
  • Thyroid gland - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
  • Negative feedback loop - low T3/T4 = release more TRH/TSH
95
Q

What type of problem with the thyroid does Graves disease cause (Graves is most common hyperthyroidism cause)?

A
  • Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)

* Typically affecting women aged 30-50 years

96
Q

What is the mechanism of Graves disease?

A
  • Autoantibodies to TSH (90%)

* Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (75%)

97
Q

What are the clinical features in thyrotoxicosis specific to Graves disease? (but not other causes of thyrotoxicosis)

A
  • Eye signs
  • Exophthalmos
  • Ophthalmoplegia
  • Pretibial myxoedema
  • Thyroid acropachy
  • Digital clubbing
  • Soft tissue swelling of the hands and feet
  • Periosteal new bone formation
98
Q

What other causes of hyperthyroidism are there?

A
  • Toxic multinodular goitre
  • Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules that secrete excess thyroid hormones
  • Drugs
  • Amiodarone
99
Q

What are the less specific signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis?

A
  • General
  • Weight loss
  • Manic - restlessness
  • Heat intolerance
  • Cardiac
  • Palpitations, may even provoke arrythmias e.g. AF
  • Skin
  • Increased sweating
  • Pretibial myxoedema: erythematous, oedematous lesions above the lateral malleoli
  • Thyroid acropachy: clubbing
  • GI
  • Diarrhoea
  • Gynaecological
  • Oligomenorrhea
  • Neurological
  • Anxiety
  • Tremor
100
Q

What is a thyrotoxic storm?

A
  • Excess of endogenous thyroid hormones leading to the following clinical features
  • Fever >38.5c
  • Tachycardia
  • Confusion and agitation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hypertension
  • Heart failure
  • Abnormal LFT - jaundice
101
Q

What are the triggers for a thyrotoxic storm?

A
  • Recent treatment - radio-iodine
  • Infection
  • MI
  • Trauma

Risk factors:
* Smoking

102
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for hyperthyroidism?

A
  • Neck lump causes
  • Midline
  • Submandibular
  • Anterior
  • Posterior
  • Goitre causes
  • Physiological
  • Inflammatory
  • Autoimmune
  • Multinodular goitre
  • Adenoma/carcinoma
  • Immunological/thyroglossal cyst
103
Q

What are the types of midline neck lump?

A
  • Dermoid cyst (<20yrs)
  • Thyroglossal cyst - moves on tongue protrusion
  • Thyroid goitre (>20yrs)
  • Chrondroma (hard)
104
Q

What are the types of submandibular neck lump?

A
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • <20yrs self limiting
  • > 20yrs malignant - firm/non tender Hodgkin’s/NHL
  • TB
  • Salivary stone/gland tumour
  • Sialodenitis
105
Q

What are the types of anterior triangle neck lump?

A
  • Branchial cyst <20 yrs between upper-middle 1/3 of sternomastoid from non-disappearance of cervical sinus
  • Parotid tumour >40 yrs - superoposterior part
  • Laryngocele - painless, worse on blowing
  • Carotid - pulsatile, aneurysm, tortuous body tumour
106
Q

What are the types of posterior triangle neck lump?

A
  • Cervical rib (enlarged C7 costal elements - Raynaud’s/wasted 1st dorsal interosseus
  • Pharyngeal pouch on swallow - often on left
  • Cystic hygroma - infants, jugular lymph sac
  • Pancost tumour
  • Subclavian aneurysm (pulsatile)
107
Q

What are the reasons for a physiological goitre (moves on swallowing)?

A
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Iodine deficiency
108
Q

What are the reasons for an inflammatory goitre (De Quervain’s thyroiditis)?

A
  • Streptococcal

- May be tender with +/- TFT’s

109
Q

What are the auto-imune reasons for a Goitre?

A
  • Grave’s

* Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

110
Q

What are the types of malignant neck lumps?

A
  • Adenoma/carcinoma
  • Papillary 70%
  • Follicular 15%
  • Medullary 5-10%
  • Anaplastic
  • Toxic multi-nodular goitre - needs fine needle aspiration (10% are cancerous)
  • Features
  • Solitary
  • Hard
  • Irregular
  • Painless
  • Lyphadenopathy
111
Q

What are the blood investigations for hyperthyroidism?

A
  • FBC - Hb low, MCV normal
  • Graves - mild neutropenia
  • Raised ESR
  • TFT’s
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • High T3/T4
  • Low TSH
  • Subclinical hyperthyroidism
  • Low TSH
  • Normal free T4
  • Raised LFT’s
  • Raised Ca2+
  • Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies present (Graves)
112
Q

What further tests can be done to investigate hyperthyroidism?

A
  • ECG - AF
  • USS-guided fine needle aspiration - if solitary/dominant nodule in multinodular goitre to exclude malignancy
  • Radio-isotope scan (iodine/technetium) - to determine if hot nodules are malignant (20% cold are malignant) or thyrotoxic storm
113
Q

What is the acute management of a thyrotoxic storm?

A
  • B - 15L/min O2 via NRBM (ITU/HDU)
  • C - ECG/BP - IV access - bloods
  • 0.9% NaCl 500 ml/4h IV (NG tube if vomiting)
  • Chlorpromazine 50mg po (if sedation needed)
  • Propanolol 40mg/8hr po (NOT if asthmatic)
  • Digoxin 1 mg over 2 hrs IVI (if HR high)
  • Carbimazole 15-25mg/6h po and after 4 h
  • Lugol’s solution 0.3ml/8h for 1 wk
  • Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg/6h IV (or dexamethasone 4mg/6h po)
  • Cefuroxime 1.5 g/8h IV (if infection)
  • Cool with tepid sponging +/- paracetamol
  • After 5 days reduce carbimazole to 15mg/8 h po
114
Q

What are the medical treatments for hyperthyroidism?

A
  • Beta blockers - propanolol 40mg/6 hr po for rapid symptom relief
  • Carbimazole
  • SE agranulocytosis due to reduced neutrophils
  • CI in pregnancy - use propylthiouracil - still risk of agranulocytosis
  • Titration
  • 20-40mg/24h po - titrate down according to TFT/1-2 months, maintain for 18 months
  • Block and replace
  • Plus levothyroxine 100ng/24h po (less risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism)
  • Maintain for 12 months - then attempt withdrawal (50% relapse so try radio-iodine/surgery)
  • Radio-iodine - mode: taken up/concentrates in thyroid - radiation destroys it - 50% become hypothyroid post treatment
  • SE - may initially worsen eye disease but transient
  • CI - pregnancy/lactation
  • Caution in active hyperthyroidism - as risk of thyrotoxic storm
  • Referral to ENT surgeon if eye disease
115
Q

What are the surgical treatment options for hyperthyroidism?

A
  • Subtotal thyroidectomy
  • Pre-surgery
  • TFT’s should be in normal range
  • Lugol’s iodine beforehand to reduce vascularity of the thyroid
  • Procedure
  • Collar incision - remove enough tissue to make euthyroid only (normally 5-8g left)
  • Complications
  • Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage
  • Hypoparathyroidism (accidental removal)
  • Haemorrhage
116
Q

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

A
  • Auto-immune
  • Atrophic
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Acquired
  • Iodine deficiency (commonest cause worldwide)
  • Post thyroidectomy/radioiodine
  • Drug induced (anti-thyroid medications, amiodarone, lithium, iodine)
  • Infiltration (sarcoidosis, amyloidosis)
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Defect of the hypothalamus/pituitary stalk/pituitary gland
117
Q

What are the triggers of a myxoedema coma?

A
  • Sedatives - especially elderly with undiagnosed hypothyroidism and overlying hypothermia
118
Q

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

A

General

  • Fatigue
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dry/thick skin
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Coarse hair
  • Alopecia
  • Anaemia

Cardiac

  • SOB
  • Cough +/- pink frothy sputum

GI

  • Reduced appetite
  • Increased weight
  • Constipation (ileus)

MSK
* Arthralgia/myalgia

Neuro

  • Depression
  • Reduced memory/cognition

Reproductive

  • Menorrhagia
  • Infertility
  • Impotence

PMH
* Autoimmune conditions

119
Q

What are the signs of hypothyroidism?

A
  • Obesity
  • Brittle nails
  • Bradycardia
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (Phalens/Tinnels +ve)
  • Dry skin
  • Flaky hair
  • +/- loss of outer 1/3 of the eyebrow
  • Peaches/cream or toad faces
  • Cerebellar ataxia
  • Rarely goitre +/- hoarse voice/stridor/snoring/dysphagia, Pemberton’s sign
  • Bibasal lung crepitations (HF)
  • Peri-orbital oedema
  • Slow relaxing reflexes
120
Q

What are the clinical signs of a myoedema coma?

A
  • Hypothyroidism signs
  • Altered mental status
  • Hypothermic
  • Hyporeflexia
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Bradycardia
  • Seizures/coma
121
Q

What are the investigations for hypothyroidism?

A
  • FBC - low Hb, normal MCV
  • TFT - low free T4, high TSH
  • Secondary - normal/low TSH
  • Subclinical - high TSH, normal free T4
  • Increased cholesterol/triglycerides
  • Anti-thyroid perioxidase antibodies
  • High TPO
122
Q

What is the management of a myxoedema coma?

A
  • B - 15L via NRBM
  • C - ECG IV access - bloods
  • Tri-ioothyronine (T3) 5-20ng
  • IV hydrocortisone 100mg/8h IV
  • 0.9% NaCl IV
  • Cefuroxime 1.5g/8 h IV (if infection related)
123
Q

What is the medical management of hypothyroidism?

A
  • Levothyroxine 50-100ng/24h po
  • 25ng if elderly/IHD - may precipitate angina/MI
  • Review at 12 weeks
  • Adjust dose/6 weeks until TSH >0.5mU/L and clinically stable
  • Check annually
  • If subclinical hypothyroidism - yearly monitoring but can try course of levothyroxine
  • NB enzyme inducers increase metabolism of levothyroxine
124
Q

What are the complications of hypothyroidism?

A
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Dementia
  • Myxoedema coma (30% mortality)
125
Q

What is Addison’s disease/adrenocortical insufficiency?

A
  • 1 Addison’s disease

* 2 Long term steroids causing suppression of pituitary adrenal axis

126
Q

Which pathways are involved in ACI?

A
  • Hypothalamus - CRF
  • Anterior pituitary - ACTH
  • Adrenal - cortisol
  • Physiological effect (and negative feedback to pituitary and hypothalamus)
127
Q

What are the causes of Addison’s disease?

A
  • Autoimmune 80%
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • TB 10% - but most common world wide
  • Hypopituitarism - low ACTH
  • Bleeding (haemorrhage) - antiphospholipid syndrome, SLE, Water-House Friederichsen syndrome (bilateral haemorrhage from meningococcal septicaemia)
  • Infection - opportunistic in HIV (CMV, mycobacterium avium)
  • Neoplasia - metastatic cancer to adrenal (lung/breast/renal), lymphoma
128
Q

What are the triggers of an Addisonian crisis?

A
  • Stress
  • Infection
  • Trauma
  • Surgery
129
Q

What is the pathological process of adrenocortical insufficiency?

A
  • Adrenal cortex destruction
  • Low glucocorticoid (cortisol - low glucose)
  • Low mineralocorticoid (aldosterone - low Na+, low H2O, high K+)
  • Low testosterone - hypovolaemia (increased urea/creatinine)
130
Q

What are the presenting symptoms of ACI?

A
  • General
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • MSK
  • Myalgia
  • Arthralgia
  • Neuro
  • Dizzy
  • Faint
  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Low self esteem
  • GI
  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Adrenal crisis
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shock
  • Fever
  • Coma
  • Low glucose
  • PMH
  • Type 1 DBM
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Pernicious anaemia
  • Grave’s
  • Premature ovarian failure
  • Vitiligo
131
Q

What are the signs of ACI?

A
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Postural drop in BP
  • Vitiligo
132
Q

What are the differentials for ACI?

A
  • Viral infection
  • Anorexia nervosa (but low K+ here)
  • DBM
133
Q

What are the appropriate investigations for an Addisonian crisis?

A
  • Plasma glucose
  • Cortisol
  • ACTH
  • Cultures - blood/urine/sputum

Don’t delay treatment

134
Q

What are the blood investigations for ACI?

A
  • FBC - low Hb, increased eosinophils
  • U and E’s - low Na+, high K+, high urea/creatinine
  • Low cortisol
  • Increased ACTH (at 9am)
  • Low glucose
  • Increased Ca2+
  • Increased renin/low aldosterone
  • 21-hydroxylase adrenal auto-antibodies
135
Q

How is the short Synacthen test used for ACI?

A
  • 2nd cortisol reading >550mmol/L excludes Addison’s
    1) Measure plasma cortisol
    2) Give tetracosactide 250ng (synacthen: synthetic ACTH)
    3) Measure cortisol 30 and 60 mins later
136
Q

What others tests are important to include in the investigation of someone with ACI?

A
  • Exclude other autoimmune disease
  • TFT
  • OGTT
  • Coeliac Abs (alpha-gliadin, anti-endomysial Abs)
137
Q

What imaging can be done to investigate ACI?

A
  • Chest x-ray - exclude old TB
  • Abdominal x-ray - exclude adrenal calcifications
  • CT adrenals - exclude calcifications/haemorrhage
138
Q

What is the approach to the management of an Addisonian crisis?

A
  • ABC
  • B - 15L NRBM O2
  • C - ECG, IV access - bloods
  • Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg IV stat
  • Haemaccel then 0.9% NaCl IV stat (then hourly)
  • Cefuroxime 1.5g/8h IV
  • 100ml 20% dextrose IV glucose (if low)
  • Continue hydrocortisone and fluids
  • Change to oral steroids after 72 hrs if stable
139
Q

What is the conservative approach to management of a patient with ACI?

A
  • Patient education - steroid counselling
    1) Carry steroid card/bracelet
    2) Don’t stop abruptly
    3) Tell doctors about them
    4) Double dose if febrile illness/injury
    5) Increase by 5-10mg before stenuous exercise
    6) Keep IM hydrocortisone (show how to inject in case of vomiting and cannot take orally)
140
Q

What is the medical management of a patient with ACI?

A
  • Steroid replacement
  • Hydrocortisone 15-25mg/24h po (divided doses: 10mg on waking, 5mg lunchtime - give early in day to avoid insomnia)
  • Fludrocortisone 50-200ng/24 h po if needed (postural hypotension, U and E abnormality, increased plasma renin)
141
Q

What are the risks of ACI?

A
  • Addison crisis can be fatal

* Hypovolaemic shock

142
Q

What is the difference between Cushing’s syndrome and disease?

A
  • Syndrome - any cause of increased glucocorticoid

* Disease - bilateral adrenal hyperplasia from pituitary adenoma (increased ACTH)

143
Q

Which pathways are involved in Cushing’s disease?

A
  • Hypothalamus - CRF
  • Anterior pituitary - ACTH
  • Adrenal cortex
  • Glucocorticoid: cortisol
  • Mineralocorticoid: aldosterone
  • Androgen: testosterone
  • Adrenal medulla
  • Catecholamine: adrenaline
  • Physiological effect (and negative feedback to pituitary and hypothalamus)
  • Cortisol excreted as free urinary cortisol
144
Q

What are the causes of Cushing’s disease / syndrome?

A
  • Iatrogenic - glucocorticoids (most common)
  • ACTH dependent
  • Pituitary adenoma - Cushing’s disease - most common 70%
  • Ectopic ACTH 14% - from small cell lung cancer, renal cancer, or carcinoid (lung, GIT, thymus)
  • Ectopic CRH - some thyroid (medullary) and prostate cancer
  • ACTH independent
  • Adrenal adenoma (10%)
  • Adrenal cancer (5%)
  • Adrenal hyperplasia (1%)
  • McCune Albright syndrome (rare)
145
Q

What are the symptoms of Cushing’s?

A
  • Neuro
  • Mood change (depression, psychosis, lethargy, irritability)
  • Visual field defects
  • Skin
  • Thin hair
  • Moon face
  • Acne
  • Hirsutism
  • Reproductive
  • Dys-oligomenorrhoea
  • Impotence
  • GI
  • Weight gain
  • PMH
  • Fracture
  • Osteoporosis
  • PUD
  • Hypertension
  • DBM
146
Q

What are the signs of Cushing’s disease/syndrome?

A
  • ACTH dependent
  • Thin skin
  • Bruising
  • HTN
  • Hirsuitism
  • Infection (tinea)
  • Proximal myopathy
  • Moon face
  • Acne
    • Bitemporal hemianopia
    • Papilloedema
  • Purple striae (weight gain)
  • Supraclavicular fat pad (buffalo hump)
  • Centripetal obesity (lemon on a stick)
  • ACTH independent
  • Hyperpigmented (from increased ACTH)
147
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for Cushing’s?

A
  • Pseudo-Cusing’s (due to alcohol, depression)
148
Q

What are the investigations required for Cushing’s ?

A

1) Overnight dexamethasone suppression test 1st line
- Check cortisol
- Give dexamethasone 1mg po midnight
- Check cortisol at 8am (fail to suppress to <50nmol/L)

2) Plasma ACTH
- If undetectable (ACTH independent) - do bilateral CT of adrenals
- If detectable (ACTH dependent) - do high dose dexamethasone suppression test

3) 48hr high dose dexamethasone suppression test (2nd line diagnostic)
- Check cortisol
- Give dexamethasone 0.5mg/6h po (8mg high dose)
- Check cortisol level at 48hr, 6hr after last dose
- ACTH dependent - fail to suppress but pituitary source suppresses partially unlike with ectopic ACTH

4) CRH test
- Check cortisol
- Give 100mcg ovine/human CRH IV
- Check again at 120 minutes (if pituitary not ectopic ACTH)

  • Urine - 24 hr urine (2nd line screen - exclude 1st void on AM collection of urine, include it AM after)
  • Free cortisol - normal = <280nmol/L
  • Radiology
  • CT adrenals - if adrenal source suspected (if no mass seen, do adrenal vein sampling/adrenal scintigraphy)
  • MRI pituitary - if pituitary source suspected (and no mass seen on bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling: excludes ectopic ACTH production)
  • CT +/- MRI neck, thorax, abdomen if ectopic source likely
149
Q

What is the approach to management of Cushing’s syndrome?

A
  • Iatrogenic steroids - stop the steroids!
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Medical - adrenal radiotherapy (to prevent Nelson’s syndrome post surgery: increased skin pigmentation due to increased ACTH)
  • Surgical - transphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma (or bilateral adrenalectomy if source not found)
  • Adrenal tumour
  • Medical - radiotherapy and adrenolytics (mitotan) post-surgery
  • Surgical - adrenalectomy (curative for adenoma, rarely for Ca so must follow with adrenolytics)
  • Ectopic ACTH
  • Medical - metryrapone, ketoconazole (reduce cortisol: if unfit for surgery/radiotherapy or pre-op)
  • Surgical - depending on source
150
Q

What are the risks/complications of Cushing’s?

A
  • Premature IHD
  • Osteoporosis +/- #
  • HTN
  • Impaired glucose tolerance/DBM (30%)
  • Predisposed to infection
  • Poor wound healing
151
Q

What is hyperaldosteronism/Conn’s syndrome?

A
  • Primary - mainly Conn’s (increased aldosterone independent of RAAS system)
  • Secondary - suppressed pituitary adrenal axis
152
Q

What are the causes of hyperaldosteronism?

A

Primary

  • Conn’s syndrome 66%
  • Solitary aldosterone producing adenoma
  • Bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia 33%
  • Adrenal carcinoma
  • Glucocorticoid-remedial aldosteronism

Secondary

  • Steroids
  • Long term
  • Renal artery stenosis
153
Q

Who is affected by Conn’s syndrome?

A
  • F>M
154
Q

What is the pathology of Conn’s syndrome?

A
  • Increased aldosterone

- Increased Na+/H2O reabsorption, increased K+ excretion, reduced renin release

155
Q

What is the pathology of renal artery stenosis?

A
  • Causes increased renin initially
  • Activation of RAAS
  • Increased aldosterone
  • Refractory increase in BP and reduced K+
156
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of Conn’s syndrome?

A
  • U and E’s - increased Na+, decreased or normal K+
  • Aldosterone: Renin
  • Patient sits upright for at least 2h withhold antihypertensives/diuretics for 2 weeks
  • Increased aldosterone:renin ratio
  • Fludrocortisone/saline suppression test in some centres
157
Q

What is the approach to the management of Conn’s syndrome?

A

Medical

  • Aldosterone antagonists
  • Indications - bilateral hyperplasia or Conn’s pre-op
  • Types - spironolactone 300mg/24 hrs po max (for 4 weeks pre-op), amiloride, eplenerone
  • SE - gynaecomastia (except eplenerone as more selective)

Surgical

  • Laproscopic adrenalectomy: Conn’s syndrome
  • 6 monthly imaging post surgery detects recurrence
158
Q

What are the risks of Conn’s syndrome?

A
  • Increases BP
159
Q

What are the different types of hyperparathyroidism?

A
  1. Hyperplasia
  2. Appropriate response
  3. Autonomous PTH production (from hyperplastic/adenomatous change)
160
Q

Which pathways are involved in hyperparathyroidism?

A
  1. Dehydrocholesterol - sunlight-skin - cholecalciferol
    * Liver - 25-hyroxycalciferol
  2. Parathyroids - PTH - axial skeletal bone (increased osteoclast activity - increased Ca2+/PO4
    * Kidney (activates 1a-hydroxylase to convert 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol - i.e. calcitriol/a-calcitrol - increased Ca2+/reduced PO4 reabsorption in the kidneys
161
Q

What are the reference ranges for Ca2+ and PTH?

A
  • Ca2+
  • Total (2.12-2.65mmol/L)
  • Ionized (1.0-1.25mmol/L)
  • PTH
  • <0.8-8.5pmol/L
162
Q

What are the causes of hyperparathyroidism?

A

Primary

  • Solitary parathyroid adenoma 80%
  • Hyperplasia 15-20%
  • MEN
  • Parathyroid adenocarcinoma
  • Ectopic PTH related peptide (squamous cell lung cancer, breast/renal cancer)

Secondary
- Persistently low Ca2+ (vitamin D deficiency, renal failure, osteomalacia)

Tertiary
- Prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism (chronic renal failure

163
Q

How common is hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • M
164
Q

What is the pathology of hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Increased PTH can lead to increased bone resorption - osteoporosis - pathological #
165
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Often asymptomatic (high Ca2+ on bloods)
  • Hypercalcaemia
  • Stones (renal 10-15%, nephrocalcinosis, metastatic calcification)
  • Bones (pain, pathological #, osteoporosis/osteopenia
  • Moans (lethargy, depression, dehydration, polyuria)
  • Abdominal groans (abdominal pain, constipation, ulcers, pancreatitis)
166
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Increased calcium
  • Iatrogenic from blood from IV drip arm, thiazides/vitamin D
  • Hypercalcaemia of malignancy
  • Others
  • Sarcoidosis
  • DBM
  • MEN I - Multiple-Endocrine-Neoplasia I gene is a tumour suppressor gene
  • Parathyroid hyperplasia/adenoma, pancreatic (gastrinoma/insulinoma, somatostatinoma, VIPoma)
  • Pituitary prolactinoma
  • MEN II gene is a ret proto-oncogene
  • MEN IIa - parathyroid hyperplasia, adrenal phaeochromocytoma, thyroid medullary carcinoma
  • MEN IIb - like IIa but no hyperparathyroidism (instead mucosal neuromas/Marfinoid appearance)
167
Q

What is the blood picture for primary hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ high
  • PO4 low
  • PTH high
168
Q

What is the blood picture for secondary hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ low
  • PO4 low
  • PTH high
169
Q

What is the blood picture for tertiary hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ high
  • PO4 low
  • PTH high ++
170
Q

What is the blood picture for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ low
  • PO4 high
  • PTH low
171
Q

How is ALP affected by hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Increased if there is a fracture
172
Q

What are the appropriate blood investigations for hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • U and E’s
  • LFT’s
  • ALP
  • PTH
  • Ca2+
  • PO4
173
Q

What is the urine test for hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • 24 hr urine collection - Ca2+
174
Q

What imaging can be done for hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Abdominal x-ray - renal calculi, nephrocalcinosis
  • DEXA scan - osteoporosis
  • X-ray - sub-periosteal resorption (hands), pepperpot skull
  • USS - pre-op surgery for adenomas
175
Q

What is the approach to the management of hyperparathyroidism - primary?

A
  • Conservative (mild)
  • Encourage fluids (prevent stones)
  • Avoid thiazides
  • Reduce calcium/vitamin D intake
  • Medical
  • Cinacalcet (increases sensitivity of parathyroids to Ca2+ so reduces PTH production)
  • Surgical
  • Excision if complications and >50 yrs
176
Q

What is the approach to the management of hyperparathyroidism - secondary?

A
  • Medical
  • Treat the underlying cause once known
  • Supplements
  • Ca2+ (Calcichew or 10ml 10% calcium gluconate IVI over 30mins if severe)
  • Vitamin D3 - cholecalciferol or alfa-calcidol if renal failure
177
Q

What is the approach to the management of hyperparathyroidism - tertiary?

A
  • Medical (treatment for hypercalcaemia)
  • 0.9% NaCl IV - frusemide 40 mg/4h po/IV
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Surgical
  • Parathyroidectomy
178
Q

What are the risks and complications of hyperparathyroidism?

A
  • Risk of surgery
  • Hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage/palsy, post op hypocalcaemia
  • Prognosis
  • 8% adenomas recur in 10 yrs
179
Q

What are the different types of hypoparathyroidism?

A
  1. Gland failure
  2. Appropriate
    - Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PH): failure of target cell response to PTH
    - PseudoPH (PPH): morphologically identical to PH but normal biochemistry
180
Q

What are the causes of hypoparathyroidism?

A
  1. Autoimmune, congenital (Di George syndrome)
  2. Radiation/surgery (parathyroidectomy/thyroidectomy), hypomagnesaemia (Mg2+ needed for PTH secretion)
    - PH/PPH - genetic (types I: autosomal recessive and 2: polygenetic)
181
Q

What are the symptoms and signs of hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Hypocalcaemia - tetany, depression, perioral paraesthesia
  • Trousseau’s sign (carpopedal spasm): wrist/fingers flex and draw together (on inflating BP cuff)
  • Chvostek’s sign (neuromuscular excitability): corner of mouth twitches if tap facial nerve over parotid
  • PH/PPH: short 4th and 5th metacarpals, mental retardation, round face, short stature
182
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Low Ca2+
  • Vitamin D deficiency - Asians, Africans, CRF
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Alkalosis
  • Mg2+ deficiency
183
Q

What are the appropriate blood investigations for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • U and E’s
  • LFT’s (ALP)
  • PTH
  • Ca2+
  • PO4
  • Mg2+
184
Q

What are the urine investigations for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • 24 hr urine - Ca2+
185
Q

What are the imaging investigations for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • CT head - calcified basal ganglia in PH
186
Q

What is the blood picture for hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ low
  • PO4 high or normal
  • PTH low
  • ALP normal
187
Q

What is the blood picture for pseudohypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ low
  • PO4 high
  • PTH high
  • ALP normal or high
188
Q

What is the medical management of hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Ca2+ supplements and activated vitamin D3 (alfa-calcidol/calcitriol) or synthetic PTH/12h SC (prevents hypercalciuria)
189
Q

What is hypercalcaemia of malignancy?

A
  • Increased blood calcium levels due to:
    1. Primary malignancy
  • Myeloma (increased osteoclast activating factors)
  • Squamous cell lung cancer (increased PTH related peptide)
  1. Secondary malignancy (bone metastases)
    - Breast
    - Bronchus
    - Prostate
    - Thyroid
    - Kidney
190
Q

How common is hypercalcaemia of malignancy?

A
  • 10-20% of those with malignancy
  • 40% with myeloma - raised ESR, raised Ca2+, normal ALP
  • Others - breast, lung, renal
191
Q

What are the symptoms of hypercalcaemia?

A
  • Stones (renal 10-15%, nephrocalcinosis: metastatic calcification)
  • Bones (pain, pathological #, osteopenia/osteoporosis)
  • Moans (lethargy, depression, confusion, dehydration, polyuria, polydipsia)
  • Abdominal groans (abdominal pain, constipation, ulcers, pancreatitis, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss)
192
Q

What are the signs of hypercalcaemia?

A
  • Hypertension
  • Arrhythmias
  • Dehydration (shock if severe)
  • Cachexia
  • Bony tenderness secondary to local lesion (especially along spine)

Worrying features

  • Reduced GCS
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations
  • Tacycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Abnormal ECG
193
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for hypercalcaemia?

A
  • Raised Ca2+
  • Iatrogenic - blood from IV drip arm, increased thiazides/vitamin D
  • Hypercalcaemia of malignancy
  • Others - sarcoidosis, DBM
194
Q

What are the appropriate investigations for hypercalcaemia?

A
  • Bloods - FBC, ESR, U and E’s (low K+, low Cl-), LFT (low albumin), high Ca2+, low PO4, high ALP (bone), low Mg2+, serum electrophoresis (myeloma)
  • Urine - MSU dipstick, consider urine electrophoresis (myeloma)
  • Radiology - chest x-ray - exclude malignancy
  • Special tests - ECG - short QT interval, arrythmias
195
Q

What is the approach to management of hypercalcaemia of malignancy?

A
  • Depends on the level of Ca2+
  • <3 treat if symptomatic, monitor others
  • 3-4 treatment usually needed
  • > 4 see urgent advice
196
Q

What is the conservative treatment for hypercalcaemia of malignancy?

A
  • Conservative - avoid certain medications such as thiazide diuretics
  • Treat the underlying cause
197
Q

What is the medical treatment for hypercalcaemia of malignancy?

A
  • Catheterise if anuric >4hrs, CVP monitoring
  • IV access - bloods
  • 0.9% NaCl 1L/4-8 hrs IV for 4-5 days
  • Correct low K+ and low Mg2+
  • Furosemide 40 mg/12 hr po/IV
  • Pamidronate 30mg/300mL 0.9% NaCl IVI over 3 hrs or zolendronic acid 4 mg IVI over 2 hrs (inhibit osteoclast activity/bone resorption: takes 3-5 days to work)
  • Then oral bisphosphonates for maintenance
  • Monitoring (U and E’s, Ca2+, Mg2+, daily, then after 5-7 days) - consider calcitonin of still low
198
Q

What are the risks of hypercalcaemia?

A
  • RAPPOR
  • Renal failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Osteopenia
  • Renal stones