Thyroid Disorders Flashcards
Which is more potent? T3 or T4?
T3 is more potent than T4, but has a much shorter half-life
Role of thyroid gland?
One of the largest organs within the body’s endocrine system and is the only organ which contains cells that have the ability to ABSORB iodine
What regulates thyroid hormone production?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH or Thyrotropin)
Effects of elevations of T4 levels?
Elevations in T4 levels => inhibits secretion of TSH and create a
negative feedback loop
Which is measured, T3 or T4? Why?
Free T4 (FT4) levels
This is the active form (T4)
Xtics of Hypothyroidism?
Deficiency of T4 => elevation in TSH
Xtics of Hyperthyroidism?
Oversecretion => low level of TSH
Main causes of Hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s dx - most common cause
Drugs (Amiodarone, Inteferons, Lithium, Nitroprusside, Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Sunitinib - most notable)
Clinical s/sx of Hypothyroidism?
Cold intolerance
Dry skin
Fatigue
Weight gain
Hoarseness
Coarseness or loss of hair
Heavier than normal menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
Memory and mental impairment
Goiter
Myalgias
Weakness
Depression
Constipation
Bradycardia
Complications of Hypothyroidism?
CVD (cardiomyopathy, HF, hyperlipidemia, CAD)
Goiter
Depression
Infertility
Myxedema - intense cold intolerance, drowsiness, unconsciousness
Effects of hypothyroidism on body metabolism?
Hypothyroidism causes the body to SLOW down
T/4 u see classic sx of low metabolism - fatigue, weight gain
What’s the most common cause of Hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s dx
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism?
Low free thyroxine (low FT4) - normal range 0.7-1.9 ng/dL
High thyroid stimulating hormone (high TSH) - normal range 0.3-3.0 mIU/L
Monitoring of hypothyroidism?
Check free T4 and TSH levels Q6-8 wks, until levels are normal
Then 6 months later, then yearly
What’s FDA pregnancy category A for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine
DOC in hyperthyroidism?
Levothyroxine (T4)
Imp to use a consistent preparation
What can be used to supplement Levothyroxine (T4)?
Liothyronine (T3, Cytomel and Triostat)
Or
Desiccated thyroid (T3 & T4, Armour Thyroid) - not usually favored
How should thyroid replacement therapies be used?
Take thyroid replacement in the morning, first thing, on an empty stomach, at least 30 mins b4 breakfast