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FINAL YEAR PHARMACY > CLINICAL- ENDOCRINE, PITUITARY > Flashcards

CLINICAL- ENDOCRINE, PITUITARY Flashcards

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1
Q

Where are vasopressin and oxytocin produced?

A

In the neurosecretory neurons of the Hypothalamus

They then travel to the pituitary where they can access the circulation

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2
Q

What is the clinical presentation of a pituitary tumour (rare!)?

A

Pressure effects from the tumour: vision can be disturbed as tumour may press on the optic chiasma
Pituitary failure
Hypersecretion of one or more hormones

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3
Q

How do surgeons access the pituitary gland?

A

Through the nose

Makes it easier than going through the brain

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4
Q

How could you correct the visual disturbance caused by a pituitary tumour?

A

Correct the pressure as it’s pushing on the optic nerves and chiasm

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5
Q

What are non functioning pituitary tumours?

A

They cause problems with where they are but they don’t actually produce any hormones
The tumour grows and presses on the pituitary gland and squashes it, looses it’s function, causes problems
These account for 90% of all pituitary tumours

Treatment is surgery and we aim to protect eyesight and restore function. There isn’t a pharmacological treatment!

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6
Q

What are functioning pituitary tumours?

A

These tumours will produce hormones

Most common are prolactinomas

There is pharmacological treatment available

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7
Q

What is a prolactinoma? What effects does it have?

A

A tumour that secretes prolactin

Is has pressure effects:
Headache, loss of peripheral vision

It has hormone effects:
Women get absent periods, infertility and galactorrhoea (nipple discharge)- therefore women symptoms are quite obvious!

Men: present with erectile dysfunction

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8
Q

How are prolactinomas treated?

A

Prolactin is naturally inhibited by release of dopamine from the hypothalamus.
Dopamine receptor agonists used- dopamine released- Fall in prolactin - Tumour shrinks

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9
Q

How long does it take with treatment for 40% of patients with prolactinomas to be in remission if tumours disappeared and prolactin now normal?

A

After 3 years of treatment with dopamine receptor agonists

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10
Q

Dopamine agonists used to treat prolactinomas include:
Cabergoline
Bromocriptine
Quinagolide
What are our concerns with these treatments?

A

They all require a baseline and then annual echocardiograms (ECG) apart from quinagolide

common side effects: nausea, fatigue, mood disturbance (patients therefore advised to take at night)

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11
Q

What happens with dopamine agonist drugs (for prolactinomas) in pregnancy??

A

Cabergoline has a long half life
So bromocriptine is preferred
Usually stope treatment in pregnancy unless tumour really big

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12
Q 
Patient presenting with:
Rings not being able to fit anymore bigger fingers
Underbite (bottom jaw sticks out) 
Bigger feet 
Bigger nose 
Headaches
Diabetes
What could this be?
A

Acromegaly

A result of a pituitary tumour- gland produces an excess of growth hormone, body excessively grows

We ask people to bring in old photographs to compare!

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13
Q

What does gigantism (people are giants) result from?

A

growth hormone secreting pituitary tumours in childhood

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14
Q

What is somatostatin used for?

A

With acromegaly (increase in GH due to pituitary tumour) the first line treatment is SuRGERY

If this doesn’t work/ there’s no cure, somatostatin and it’s analogues can control growth hormone secretion.

Somatostatin is a growth hormone inhibitory hormone with a v short half life of 2 mins so not used

Octreotide and lanreoride are analogues that are used as their half life in 2 hours

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15
Q

What are octoreotide and lanreotide?

A

Somatostatin analogues used to treat acromegaly

They’re DEPOT INJECTIONS given once a month

Only shrink tumours in 30%

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16
Q

What medication related to the pituitary can cause gallstones?

A

The somatostatin analogues octoreotide and lanreotide

Can also cause nausea and diarrhoea and glucose intolerance

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17
Q

What is Pegvisomont and what is it used to treat?

A

The only available Growth Hormone receptor antagonist
It’s actually a mutated growth hormone with polymers attached to prolong it’s half life!

With this drug we monitor IGF-1, as Pegvisomont blocks the action of GH receptor to reduce the production of IGF-1 which goes on to produce growth

Pretty successful! 90% reduction in IGF-1 so less growth!

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18
Q

What’s the side effect with IGF-1 reducing drug Pegvisomont?

A

Hepatitis

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19
Q

What’s the main cause if Cushings on the wards?

A

steroid treatment!

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20
Q

How does cushings present?

A 
Central obesity but thin arms and legs 
Bruising and thin skin
Hypertension
Diabetes 
Moon face 
Buffalo hump 
Low potassium 
Gastric ulcer 
Psychological- people go abit mad "steroid psychosis"
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21
Q

What’s the treatment for cushings? 

A

Surgery
METYRAPONE given in preparation for pituitary surgery
This blocks hydrocortisone synthesis- to achieve normal cortisol

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22
Q

What hormone in excess causes cushings?

A

ACTH / cortisol

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23
Q

Cortisol levels are elevated by large amounts of ACTH.

If you have no cortisol, what does this cause?

A

Drop in blood pressure

Lowers your immune system

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24
Q

What mechanism are all hormones controlled by, including the pituitary, thyroid etc?

A

Negative feedback mechanism

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25
METYRAPONE is given before surgery for Cushing's/ the pituitary to get cortisol levels normal. Why do we want normal cortisol before surgery?
To help with tissue wound healing To reduce chance of infection before surgery Big steroid doses suppress your immune system: this is not good before surgery so metyrapone helps get cortisol back on track so immune system is strengthened!
26
If the pituitary fails it's sometimes removed in surgery. What effects can this have??
15% to patients will have major hormone defects 45% will be growth hormone deficient So we need to replace these in the patient: the goal of replacement therapy is to mimic the normal body secretion as closely as possible
27
Why should hydrocortisone only be given as a replacement therapy?
It's a short acting steroid It only lasts 6 hours Prednisolone can be used as a treatment in things like asthma etc
28
Who qualifies for growth hormone replacement?
NICE says adults with: Stimulation test must prove Growth hormone deficiency Low Quality of life (use AGDA score) Must trial for 3-9 months and see an improvement in AGDA score
29
How do we monitor growth hormone replacement [recombinant growth hormone preparations]?
``` Monitor with IGF-1 (produced from growth hormone binding) Monitor symptoms (QoL AGDA score) ```
30
What's the most common type of testosterone replacement therapy?
IM injections in bum every 3-14 weeks Gels and tablets not very effective!
31
One of testosterone replacements sides effects is Polycythaemia. What is this?
An excess of red blood cells Due to stimulated red blood cell production in the bone marrow Can cause strokes as more Hb so blood more sticky!!
32
Does testosterone cause prostate cancer?
It doesn't cause it But there is increased risk of it so it fuels it Side effects of testosterone (prostatism and Polycythaemia) should be monitored every 6 months
33
Is fludrocortisone used in pituitary failure?
No Hydrocortisone is used to mimic cortisone levels 10mg morning, 5mg lunch, 5mg evening
34
Equivalent steroid doses: | What is 20mg oral hydrocortisone (the dose given to replace cortisol/ ACTH in pituatry failure) equivalent to?
5-7.5mg if prednisolone 0.75mg of Dexamethasone These are small doses of steroids compared to other conditions, Remember it's a treatment dose, therefore smaller doses than usual! This is just showing steroid equivalence because it shows how smaller amount of hydrocortisone we given as replacement therapy in pituitary failure
35
What are the HYDROCORTISONE sick day rules with fever (febrile illness) or a fractures limb?!!
Double the dose
36
What are the HYDROCORTISONE sick day rules with surgery???
IV hydrocortisone during surgery | Then double the dose
37
What are the HYDROCORTISONE sick day rules with gastroenteritis?
``` Double the dose IM hydrocortisone (as you would throw up the oral) ```
38
What are the HYDROCORTISONE sick day rules for severe shock or a long flight?
Double the dose
39
What are the HYDROCORTISONE sick day rules for a tooth being taken out?!!!
20mg oral hydrocortisone
40
What's the roll of desmopressin (secreted from pituitary)?
Acts on kidney, allows water to be re-absorbed into blood stream It's given at night and to control symptoms in the day Controls Polyuria Check U&E's to make sure sodium is normal!!
41
If we remove the pituitary gland we need to give hormone replacement therapy. Which hormones need to be replaced??
All secreted from the anterior pituitary: Growth hormone (especially in children as they're growing!!) Oestrogen and testosterone (LH and FSH) Thyroxine Cortisol (ACTH) Secreted from the posterior pituitary: Desmopressin
42
What are the SIGNS of Hypothyroid disease?
``` Facial swelling Hair loss Dry skin Reduced heart rate Husky voice!! Hypothermia ```
43
What are the SIGNS of hyperthyroidism?
``` Tremor Warm skin Agitation Goitre (swollen gland, Lump in neck-Gdad Brian!) Exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes) Atrial fibrillation ```
44
What can cause drug induced thyroid disease?
Amiodarone Lithium
45
What would you expect the thyroid function tests to look like in hypothyroidism?
Low T4 Low T3 High TSH Secondary hypothyroidism: TSH low
46
What abnormal tests would you expect with hyperthyroidism?
High T3 High T4 Low TSH
47
Hyperthyroidism leads on to thyrotoxicosis (excessive amount of thyroid hormones in blood). What is a common cause of this?
Graves' disease (immune system attacks the thyroid gland leading to hyperthyroidism) Also Amiodarone induced!
48
What are the SYMPTOMS of hypothyroidism?
``` Patients will feel: Constipated Put on weight (we know this with underactive thyroids!) Depression Menorrhagia (heavy P) Psychosis Hearing loss ```
49
What are the SYMPTOMS of hyperthyroidism?
``` Palpitations Diarrhoea Weight loss Sweating Heat intolerance Hunger and thirst Anorexia ```
50
How do we MONITOR patients with thyroid diseases?
``` Their levels of: TSH T4 T3 Also monitor symptoms ```
51
How is it thought that Amiodarone causes drug induced thyroid disease?
It contains 40% iodine It inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3, and can also inhibit the thyroid glands function so this leads to Hypothyroidism It can cause an inflammatory process leading to increased release of thyroid hormones, leads to Hyperthyroidism
52
Who should get thyroid screening??
``` Patients who take amiodarone or lithium Patients who have diabetes Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Patients with hyperlipidaemia Down's syndrome, turners syndrome, Addison's ```
53
What's the link between thyroid and heart disease??
Thyroid dysfunction can lead to changes in: Cardiac output contractility Blood pressure The cardiovascular abnormalities usually resolve with restored thyroid function!!!
54
Adrenal gland dysfunction often caused 2 conditions. What are these?
Cushing's syndrome | Addison's disease
56
What do the adrenal glands secrete?
Our natural Steroids: Mineralcorticoids Glucocorticoids (cortisol) Gonadocorticoids Cells in the adrenal cortex make hormones: cortisol, aldosterone, androgens Also epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
57
What's the difference between Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease?
Cushing's syndrome: hormone disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. Can be caused by steroid drugs or tumor producing ACTH. Cushings disease: one specific cause of the syndrome; pituitary tumour producing large amounts of ACTH: in turn elevates cortisol. It's the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome apart from those caused by steroids.
58
What's the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome ?
Most commonly drug induced- high doses of steroids (glucocorticoids): result in excess cortisol! Or less commonly caused by tumours in the pituitary or adrenal glands that produce cortisol or ACTH
59
What do we lack in Addison's?
Lack of cortico and mineralo corticoids Addison's involves the slow progressive loss of cortisol and aldosterone Most commonly caused by auto-immune diseases where antibodies attack the adrenal glands
60
What are the common signs and symptoms of Addison's? Think of the algorithm!!
``` A always tired D dizzy when standing D drop in blood pressure on standing I inexplicable weight loss S skin colour changes O only eating sparingly/ anorexia N no strength in hand grip or limbs (weakness!) S sick or nauseous ``` Also: Low sodium, high potassium
61
What can happen in Acute Addison's disease?
Shock! No fight or flight system in place due to deterioration of the adrenal gland so insufficient production of hormones such as glucocorticoids (such as Cortisol, needed to help the body respond to stress)
62
Addison's can result in insufficient levels of mineralcorticoids. How do we replace these?
Using Fludrocortisone
63
Addison's can result in insufficient levels of glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) how do we replace these?
Use hydrocortisone | Why? Because it can be biochemically monitored
64
How could Cushing's be linked to asthma?
In asthma, oral corticosteroids can be prescribed if the other steps of the treatment pathway haven't worked. These patients can therefore be predisposed to cushings Should be weaned off high steroid doses but can be difficult if patients keep having bad attacks of asthma.
65
Why is diabetes a symptom of cushings??
Cortisol helps to balance insulin in regulating blood sugar levels Hyperglycaemia is related to corticosteroids use. Ideally to treat this we want to take the person off the steroid, Sometimes this isn't possible so we would probably consider using Metformin or the thizolidinediones such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. The treatment of glucocorticoid induced diabetes usually resembles the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the prognosis of this diabetes is usually good as it's well treatable
66
What is CORTISOL important for?
Regulating blood pressure Regulating the immune system Responding to stress Helping to balance insulin in regulating blood sugar level
67
What two parts of the brain is the release of cortisol regulated by?
The hypothalamus and the pituitary
68
What is Aldosterone important for?
Maintaining the balance of salt and water in the body, helping to control blood pressure
69
Where is the pituitary gland located? (Hint: same place as hypothalamus!)
The brain/ behind the lower skull
70
Impaired function of the adrenal glands can lead to increased or decreased production of adrenal hormones. Cushing's and Addison's disease are both to do with abnormal adrenal function. What is the key difference between Addison's and Cushing's?
Cushings is to do with levels of cortisol remaining high over an extended period of time. Addison's is to do with hormone deficiency (so the opposite): glucocorticoid (incl. cortisol) and mineralocorticoids are deficient
71
What tests and observations may help to detect Addison's as it is commonly misdiagnosed??
BP: low: 90/60 Low sodium; 130 (normal range is 135-145) High potassium; 5.7 (normal range is 3.5-5.5) Patients can look 'tanned': hyper pigmentation
72
What mechanism is used to regulate the levels of glucocorticoids such as cortisol?
A negative feedback loop Hypothalamus secretes CRH, which causes the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which causes the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, high levels of cortisol are then detected by the hypothalamus and pituitary so they no longer stimulate the adrenal cortex!!
73
What is hyperpigmentation a characteristic of?
Characteristic feature of Addison's It's caused by increasing levels of ACTH as this causes darkening of the skin
74
Salt loss is a common symptom of Addison's
We know that we see low sodium levels with this disease Loss of salt leads to patients having salt cravings
76
What two drugs are used to treat Addison's disease??
Hydrocortisone Fludrocortisone
77
What's the test called we use to diagnose Addison's??
Short Synacthen test We inject tetracosactide (a chemical copy of ACTH, ACTH usually stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol, so if the glands are working this chemical should do the same) If inadequate serum cortisol response is shown we refer them for a Plasma Adrenocorticotropic hormone test, if raised it confirms Addison's
78
What's the risk with adults taking hydrocortisone doses of 25mg or higher for Addison's and what should we monitor?
Osteoporosis, there's decreased bone mineral density Clinical risk factor of fracture!! Ten year major fracture risk should be monitored and managed Calcium and Vitamin D intake should be optimised in these patients, along with stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake Most adults can be successfully treated on doses of 15-20mg daily
79
When may Calcium and vitamin D be prescribed in endocrine patients?
With Addison's patients taking corticosteroids, there's deemed to be a risk of osteoporosis These should be prescribed to optimise their levels and make their bones less likely to break They are also advised to do weight baring excersise to strengthen bones, stop smoking and limit their alcohol intake
80
When you are ill with a fever and have Addison's, what do you need to do to your dose of hydrocortisone? What if the fever goes above 39 degrees?
Fever (over 37.5) DOUBLE your dose of hydrocortisone Over 39: Triple your dose of hydrocortisone
81
What happens if you have a serious injury and have Addison's?
You need to take 20mg of hydrocortisone immediately on top of your normal daily dose. Probably best to use an emergency injection of hydrocortisone or can take it orally, Addison's patients are issues with emergency kitts
82
For any illness or injury or operation in a patient with Addison's, they will need extra hydrocortisone. Why is this?
Because usually when the patient is ill they require extra cortisol to help them get better with things causing stress, but in Addison's the levels of cortisol are low so we have to give more hydrocortisone to replace this, otherwise they will use all their low levels of cortisol and run the risk of going into adrenal shock!!
83
What happens if you vomit and you have Addison's??
Vomit once: take 20mg hydrocortisone immediately Vomit twice: use emergency injection of hydrocortisone (patients are usually issued with 3-5 vials of injectable hydrocortisone as an emergency kit for IM injection)
84
Why is it so important for people to let doctors, dentists etc know that they have Addison's?
Because they will need extra doses of hydrocortisone to deal with the stress!!
85
Other than being ill or injured, what other situations do Addison's patients need to think about with regards to their hydrocortisone doses??
Going on holiday- make sure they have supplies plus emergency injections with them Doing strenuous Exercise: take extra hydrocortisone and fluids or avoid dehydration People working shifts: normally hydrocortisone doses are shaped around a normal routine so check with doctor what to do.
86
What are the symptoms of adrenal crisis??
``` Vomiting Abdominal pain Myalgia Joint pains Severe hypotension Hypovolemic shock (severe blood and fluid loss) ``` Need to use your emergency hydrocortisone injection kit!!!
87
How can a pharmacist get involved with helping patients with Addison's?
Advising on timing of doses: Steroid doses should be taken in morning and at lunch time. Doubling doses if patients are unwell and advise on sick day rules. Managing adrenal crisis Can advise patients to have Flu vaccinations to avoid getting ill
88
What should Addison's patients requiring antibiotic treatment for infection be told to do with their hydrocortisone??
Double their normal dose
89
We know that acromegaly is over production of growth hormone in adults, and if this happens in children it is gigantism. What is hypo-pituitarism??
A deficiency in growth hormone. Leads to dwarfism We can give these patients Somatropin (growth hormone) - DO NOT GET MIXED UP WITH SOMASTATIN USED FOR AGROMEGALY!!!
90
One of the hormones produced in the hypothalamus but then is released into the circulation via the pituitary is vasopressin (ADH). In hypo-pituitarism, what does a lack of ADH release cause??
Diabetes insipidus (rare condition, produce large amount of dilute urine and feel thirsty) This is because ADH (vasopressin) is antidiuretic hormone, which is in charge of controlling water content in the body. If there is a lack of production of this, body's water regulation out of control: diabetes insipidus
91
What does the management of acute adrenal crisis involve??
I.e. Somebody has gone into shock as cortisol/ aldosterone levels are so low Dial 999- it's an emergency Use parenteral hydrocortisone Administer IV fluids
92
``` What is the most common cause of destruction of the adrenal gland in Addison's? TB Autoimmune: immune system attacks it Steroid induced Diabetes ```
Autoimmune! TB can also cause it be not very common Other 2: not true

FINAL YEAR PHARMACY (18 decks)

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