thyroid

Question 1

what is cretinism

Answer 1

untreated congenital hypothyroidism (lack of thyroxine)

Question 2

how is cretinism detected in the neonate

Answer 2

thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone measured in heel-prick test

Question 3

how does heel-prick test work

Answer 3

measures TSH; if TSH high thyroxine given as child has cretinism due to negative feedback mechanism of hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis

Question 4

what is primary hypothyroidism (myxoedema)

Answer 4

primary thyroid failure caused by autoimmune damage to thyroid gland

Question 5

consequences of primary hypothyroidism

Answer 5

thyroxine levels decline, TSH levels therefore rise

Question 6

features of primary hypothyroidism

Answer 6

low basal metabolic rate: deepening voice, depression and tiredness, cold intolerance, weight gain with reduced appetite, constipation, bradycardia, hypertension, eventual coma

Question 7

treatment of primary hypothyroidism

Answer 7

replace thyroxine, monitor TSH and adjust dose until normal TSH