Thyroid Flashcards
What stimulates and inhibits TSH release
Stimulates:
- hypothalamic TRH**
- circadian rhythm
- prolonged exposure
- acute pyschosis
Inhibits:
- Somatostatin
- dopamine
- glucocorticoids
- severe stress
Describe the biosynthesis of TH and the targets for therapry
- Uptake of iodide into thyroid gland stimulated by TSH (blocked by high [I] and lithium)
- I oxidized and incorporated into tyrosine residues (DIT, MIT) on Tg via peroxidase (inhibited by thioamides)
- Coupling of precursors occur on Tg via thyroid peroxidase (peroxidase inhibited by Iodides and thioamides)
- retrieved from storage by pinocytosis and released from gland by proteolysis (inhibited by iodides in blood)
Describe the MOA of thyroid hormone
free T3 and T4 enter cell via active transport–> T4 converted to T3–> T3 enters nucleus and binds to receptors–> increase in mRNA/protein
Results:
- calorgenic effect via increased Na/K ATPase
- increase myosin ATPase and SR Ca2+ ATPase
Describe the effects of thyroid hormone
- Responsible for optimal growth, development, function, and
maintenance of all body tissues - Critical for development of nervous (myelination), skeletal (ossification in epiphyses), and reproductive tissues–Thyroid deprivation results in irreversible mental retardation and dwarfism
- Increase secretion and degradation rates of other hormones
- SNS activity increased via thyroid hyperactivity–
Especially cardiovascular system - increased number of β-adrenergic receptors and adenylyl cyclase activity
Thyroid hormone increases secretion and degradation rates of what hormones
- Cortisol
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Insulin
- Catecholamines
A 40-year-old woman presents for an annual physical. Examination reveals a slightly elevated HR and BP. Palpation of her neck revealed a complaint of tenderness, and an enlarged thyroid was felt. Laboratory testing showed elevated TSH, decreased T4 levels, and elevated thyroglobulin antibodies. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Grave’s disease B. Hashimoto’s disease C. Nontoxic goiter D. Pituitary adenoma E. Thyroid cancer
B. Hashimoto’s disease
Causes of hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s (MC-autoimmune)
- radiation exposure
- surgery
- iodine deficiency
- Enzyme defects
- pituitary dz (low TSH)
- Rare: hypothalamic dz (low TRH, low TSH)
When initiating T4 therapy for an elderly patient with long-standing hypothyroidism, it is important to begin with small doses to avoid which of the following? A. A flare-up of exophthalmos B. Acute renal failure C. Hemolysis D. Overstimulation of the heart E. Seizures
D. Overstimulation of the heart
*Use caution in initiating therapy if underlying cardiac disease exists
Describe the clinical use of levothyroxine
replacement therapy to tx hypothyroidism (T4)
Adult: 1.6-1/8mcg/kg
kids: up to 10mcg/kg
elderly: as low as 0.5mcg/kg
- resolutiono f sx begins within 2-3 weeks
- requires 6-8 weeks of maintenance dose to reach steady state plasma levels
*reassess Thyroid fxn tests in 6-8 weeks after any dose change
Describe how tx for hypothyroidism is changed for pregnancy
usually requires an increased dose (~25%) due to:
- increased levels of TBG (via increased estrogen)
- Increased placental metabolism of T4-T3
What is Myxedema coma?
end state of untreated hypothyroidism
- acute medical emergency w/
1. hyponatremia
2. hyoglycemia
3. hypothermia
4. shock
5. death
what is the tx of myxedema coma
- large doses required with IV loading dose of T4 followed by daily IV dosing (poor oral absorption)
- Hydrocortisone to prevent adrenal crisis as T4 may increase its metabolism
Describe the absorption of levothyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)
- best absorption in ileum-colon (T3>T4)
- Modified by binding proteins (T4), food, intestinal flora
- impaired w/ severe myxedema (use IV)
- Levo- take on EMPTY stomach w/ water 3-60 min before breakfast
What are drugs that can impair absorption of levothyroxine
- metal ions (antacids, Ca, Fe supplements)
- Ciprofloxacin
- bile acid sequestrants
- raloxifene
- Sucralfate
*avoid interactions by spacing levo dose 2 hrs before or 4-6hrs after interacting drug
Changes in TBG levels or binding affinity will affect ___ not ___
TOTAL serum levels - NOT FREE
*IF HPT axis intact –> free T4/T3 will change minimally
What are drugs that INCREASE thyroid hormone plasma-protein binding
- Estrogen/SERMs/Tamoxifen**
- Methadone
- Clofibrate
- 5-fluorouracil
- Heroin
What are drugs that DECREASE thyroid hormone plasma-protein binding
- Glucocorticoids
- Androgens
- Salicylates*
- Furosemide
- Antiseizure meds* (phenytoin and carbamazepine)
__ is biologically active thyroid hormone and most is derived from __
T3
*most circulating T3 (80%) that is utilized by peripheral tissues is derived from deiodination of T4 in the liver via 5’-deiodinase
What drugs can inhibit 5’-deiodinase which converts T4 into T3
- Glucocorticoids
- Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (BB)
- Amiodarone
- Propylthiouracil (HDs)
What conditions can inhibit 5’-deiodinase which converts T4 into T3
- Acure and chronic illness
- caloric deprivation
- Malnutrition
- fetal/neonatal period
Inactivating reactions of 5’-deiodinase
- deiodination to reverse T3 deamination
- decarboxylation
- comjugation to glucuronidate or sulfate
Describe the metabolic clearance rates of T3 and T4
T3: half life=1 day
T4: half life = 7 days (allows for 1x dosing)
- Degree of protein binding major factor for difference
- increased in hyper and CYP450 induction and decreased in hypo
What are CYP450 inducers that increase thyroid hormone metabolism
- carbamazepine
- digoxin
- phenytoin
- rifampin
A 62-year-old woman presents with complaints of fatigue, sluggishness, and weight gain. She needs to nap several times a day, which is unusual for her. She has been taking T4 for the past 15 years without significant problems regarding her energy level. Her recent history is significant for diagnosis of arrhythmia. What is the most likely cause of her current condition? A. Amiodarone B. Lidocaine C. Verapamil D. Metoprolol E. Propranolol
A. Amiodarone
E. Propranolol*** (inhibits 5-deiodinase activating enzyme)
T3 in brain and pituitary derived by __
intracellular deiodination (locally)
___ is the preparation of choice for thyroid hormone replacement
synthetic T4 (levothyroxine)
Describe the advantages of Levothyroxine
- Stability/content uniformity
- lack allergenic protein (vs Thyroid USP)
- low cost
- once daily dosing w/ minimal fluctuations (t1/2=7 days)
- can be given PO or IV
Why is it advised to use the same levothyroxine produce (whether brand or generic) throughout the treatment for any individual patient?
could be as much as 10% difference btwn “equivalent” products
check thyroid function tests ____ after ANY change in levothyroxine product formulations
6-8 weeks