Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Pharmacology > Thyroid Disorders > Flashcards

Thyroid Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

What is the endocrine system?

A

A collection of glands that secrete hormones directly into the circulation to be carried to distant organs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the endocrine glands?

A
  1. Hypothalamus
  2. Pituitary glands
  3. Pineal gland
  4. Thyroid gland
  5. Parathyroid glands
  6. Thymus gland
  7. Adrenal gland
  8. Pancreas
  9. Ovary
  10. Testes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

A

Synthesis, storage and secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does thyroid stimulation work?

A
  1. The hypothalamus releases thyrotrophin releasing hormone.
  2. This then stimulates the anterior pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone.
  3. TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 &T4

If T3 is too high - negative feedback to anterior pituitary to stop releasing TSH

If T4 too high - negative feedback to hypothalamus to stop producing TRH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What do T3 and T4 do?

A
  1. Stimulate metabolism - lipid and carbohydrate
  2. Influence growth and development
  3. Other effects on CNS, CV and reproductive system
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Who is affected most by hypothyroidism?

A

Women (5-10x more) associated with CV disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Who is affected by thyrotoxicosis?

A

CV disease and osteoporosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How would you investigate thyroid disease?

A
  1. Suspect in people with depression or unexplained anxiety
  2. Measure free T3 and T4 levels only if abnormal TSH
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is hypothyroidism?

A

Decreased production of thyroid hormones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does hypothyroidism cause?

A

Slowing down of body processes due to decreased metabolic function

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the onset of hypothyroidism?

A

30-60 years old

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What causes primary hypothyroidism?

A
  1. Post-operative hypothyroidism
  2. Anti-thyroid drugs
  3. Auto-immune hypothyroidism
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What causes secondary hypothyroidism?

A
  1. Hypopituitarism - deficiency in hormones made
  2. Hypothalamic disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

A
  1. Weight gain
  2. Fatigue
  3. Constipation
  4. Depression
  5. Being sensitive to cold
  6. Muscle aches and weakness
  7. Muscle cramps
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How do you treat hypothyroidism?

A

Levothryoxine sodium - maintain TSH levels within ref range but this may take 6 months to achieve

  1. Starting dose (adults 18-49) - 50 to 100 micrograms daily
  2. Increase dose by 25-50 micrograms every 3-4 weeks according to response
  3. Maintenance dose - 100 to 200 micrograms daily
  4. Starting dose (adults over 50 or cardiac disease) - 25 - 50 micrograms daily
  5. Preferably taken 30 mins before breakfast or caffeine containing liquids
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is hyperthyroidism?

A

Excessive production and secretion of thyroid hormone

17
Q

What does hyperthyroidism cause?

A

Increased metabolism of all body systems

18
Q

What causes hyperthyroidism?

A
  1. Graves’ disease (toxic diffuse goitre)
  • thyroid stimulating antibodies mimic the effects of TSH
  • overactivity of the thyroid gland
  • inflammation of tissue around the eye
  • genetic predisposition
  1. Toxic nodular goitre
  • single hyperfunctioning nodule
19
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

A
  1. Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
  2. Mood swings
  3. Difficulty sleeping
  4. Persistent tiredness and weakness
  5. Sensitivity to heat/increased sweating
  6. Swelling in neck due to enlarged goitre
  7. Palpitations
20
Q

How would you treat hyperthyroidism?

A
  1. Anti thyroid drugs, initially supplemented by beta blockers
  2. Radioactive iodine
  3. Surgery
21
Q

How do antithyroid drugs work?

A

They prevent thyroid hormone synthesis

22
Q

What antithyroid drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism?

A
  1. Carbimazole - initially 15-40 mg daily progressively reduced to a maintenance dose of 5-15 mg daily
  • take FBC and LFT before starting
  • take for 12-18 months
  1. Propylthiouracil - initially 200-400 mg daily reduced to a maintenance dose of 50-150 mg daily
  • used if there is a sensitivity to carbimazole (2nd line)
  1. Beta blockers - propranolol 20-40 mg 2 to 4 times daily
  • rapid relief of palpitations, anxiety, sweating and tremor
  • used adjunct to radioactive iodine and carbimazole in the first few weeks
23
Q

What is the blocking replacement regimen?

A

Giving high dose carbimazole (40 - 60mg/day) to block production and levothyroxine (50 - 150 micrograms/day) to supplement for 4 - 6 weeks

24
Q

What are the S/E’s of carbimazole?

A
  1. Neutropenia
  2. Agranulocytosis
  3. Recognition of bone marrow suppression
  4. Patients should report signs and symptoms of infection esp sore throat
  5. Stop promptly if clinical or lab evidence of neutropenia
25
Q

Radioactive iodine (131I)…

A
  1. Is safe - most patients become hypothyroid
  2. C/I in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding
  3. Euthyroidism within 2-3 months
26
Q

Surgery…

A
  1. Patients should be biochemically euthyroid
  2. Iodine 10-14 days before surgery
  3. Less frequently used

Pharmacology (19 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions