Thyroid Disorders Flashcards
How does hypothyroidism present? [8]
Severe cases [4]
- Weight Gain
- Cold intolerance
- Brittle nails, thin/dry skin & hair
- Hyporeflexia, slow speech
- Lethargy & low mood
- Constipation
- Bradycardia
- Heavy periods
Severe cases can cause puffy face, large tongue, hoarseness and coma
How does hyperthyroidism present? [9]
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Hyperreflexia
- Bowel frequency
- Palpitations
- Light periods
- Sweaty palms
- Thyroid eye symptoms (bulging)
- Anxiety/irritibility
How does gender affect thyroid disease?
Both hyper and hypothyroidism are much more common in women
What are the types of Hypothyroidism? [3]
Primary
Subclinical
Secondary
What causes congenital Hypothyroidism? [2]
- developmental problems e.g. agenesis
- Dyshormogenensis (autosomal recessive condition preventing TH production)
What causes acquired Primary Hypothyroidism? [4]
- Autoimmune (hashimoto’s) thyroiditis
- Iatrogenic
- Chronic Iodine Deficiency
- Post-subacute thyroiditis
What can cause secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism? [4]
- Pituitary tumours
- Craniopharyngioma
- Pituitary surgery/radiotherapy
- Sheehan’s Syndrome
- Isolated TRH deficiency
What is Sheehan’s Syndrome? [2]
Post-partum ischaemic necrosis [1] of the pituitary due to blood loss/hypovolaemic shock of childbirth [1]
List some iatrogenic causes of primary hypothyroidism? [4]
Post op
Radioactive Iodine or Anti-Thyroids
Amiodarone (Sub-acute thyroiditis)
RT for H/N cancer
What tests would you run for suspected hypothyroidism? What are the expected results? [7]
- TFTs i.e. TSH & fT4
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
- FBC (MCV inc)
- Lipids (inc)
- Hyponatremia
- Elevated Muscle enzymes, ALT & CK
- Prolactin (inc)
Explain the results of the test for:
Lipids [1]
Hyponatremia [1]
Hyperprolactinemia [1]
Hypercholesterolaemia - decreased LDL receptors in liver
Na+ - Hyponatremia due to excess ADH from hypothyroidism
Hyperprolactinaemia - Increase TRH levels also stimulates an increase in prolactin levels
How will TFT’s (TSH, FT4) appear for each class of Hypothyroidism for:
Primary
Secondary
Subclinical
Primary - Low fT4 but high TSH
Secondary - Low fT4 & low or normal TSH
Subclinical - Normal fT4 & High TSH
What do we use to manage hypothyroidism? [4]
Levothyroxine (T4) tablets
Initial dose 50-100 mcg/day
Adjusted in steps of 25-50 mcg every 3-4w
Maintenance dose 100-200 mcg OD
Keep increasing until their TSH (primary disease) or fT4 (Secondary Disease) is normal.
What special cases affect how you use Levothyroxine? [4]
- IHD needs to be started lower and titrated slowly as it can trigger Angina
- Pregnant women need more T4
- Myxedema Coma needs IV T3
- Post-partum Thyroiditis needs to have the meds removed for 6 weeks and TFTs measured to see when it abates
What level is subclinical hypothyroidism [4]
Only if:
- TSH >10
- > 5 + Antibodies
- TSH elevated + symptoms (temporary trial therapy for symptom improvement)
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy
What are the risks of levothyroxine? [3]
Interactions [1]
- Thyrotoxicosis
- AF
- Osteopenia
Interactions: iron reduces absorption so give 2h apart
How does Goitre occur in hypothyroidism? [4]
No fT4
No -ve feedback
Excess TSH
Hyperstimulation -> Hyperplasia of Thyroid gland
What are the causes for Primary hyperthyroidism? [4]
Graves Disease - 70%
Toxic Multinodular Goitre - 20%
Thyroid Adenoma
Thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis (eventual hypothyroidism)
What is Grave’s Disease? [2]
Autoimmune condition, TSH receptor antibodies [1] continuously stimulate the thyroid [1] causing Primary hyperthyroidism