Endocrine Flashcards

1
Q

Which bisphosphonate needs to be discontinued if a skin rash develops?

A

Strontium ranelate

Severe allergic reaction:
Symptoms known as DRESS ‘Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms’
Starts with: fever, rash, swollen glands, high WCC

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2
Q

What is the side effect we need to be vigilant about with Bisphosphonate treatment?

A

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

The risk is higher with IV therapy for cancer treatment than it is with oral.

Patients have a dental check up before starting and need to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check ups.

They should report any oral symptoms: Pain, inflammation, difficulty swallowing

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3
Q

If patients taking Alendronic acid experience dysphagia, heartburn, pain on swallowing or retrosternal pain what should they do?

A

Stop taking and Report it- may be an oesophageal reaction: can be serious

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4
Q

Desmopressin, used for diabetes insipidous and first line for nocturnal enuresis, can cause electrolyte disturbance: hyponatreamia. What can this lead to, and what can be done to stop this?

A

Hyponatreamic convulsions mentioned in the BNF.

This can be minimised by sticking to the recommended start dose and avoiding drugs that increase secretion of vasopressin such as TCA’s.

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5
Q

Clomifene is a drug used to treat female infertility as it is anti-oestrogen. The CSM have advised that it should not be used for more than __ cycles, due to increased risk of _____ cancer.

A

Not for more than 6 cycles

Increased risk of ovarian cancer with clomifene use.

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6
Q

Which drug used in thyroid therapy can cause agranulocytosis and neutropenia? what is this drug used for?

A

Carbimazole

Used for Hyperthyroidism
Used in the 18 month blocking-replacement regimen together with levothyroxine.

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7
Q

What test is indicated prior to therapy with levothyroxine and Liothyronine?

A

Baseline ECG- this is because we want to check we haven’t mistaken hypothyroidism with ischaemia/ cardiovascular disease.

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8
Q

Which antithyroid drug is used if carbimazole is contraindicated?
What do we need to monitor with this drug?

A

Propylthiouracil

Liver function- severe hepatic reactions have taken place.

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9
Q

What drugs are used for management of thyrotoxic symptoms (when too much thyroid hormone has been given)?

A

Beta blockers- propranolol
IV fluids
hydrocortisone

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10
Q

What side effect of carbimazole is common and can be treated with antihistamines without the need to discontinue?

A

Rashes and pruritis- don’t say ‘discontinue’ in exam cause you’ve mistaken it for neutropenia/agran

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11
Q

Sick day rule for patients on a systemic steroid and fall mildly ill?

A

Double dose for 2 days

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12
Q

Sick day rule for patients on a systemic steroid and severely ill?

A

Double dose until symptoms improve

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13
Q

If a patients has severe diarrhoea or vomiting and can’t keep their steroid down?

A

Hydrocortisone emergency injection may be needed from GP

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14
Q

Difference between Addisons and Cushings (hint: they are opposites)?

A

Addisons is a deficiency of ACTH- (adrenocorticotropic hormone) because the immune system has turned against the adrenal glands. Symptoms: anorexia, Nausea and vomiting, weightloss- treat with glucocorticoids

Cushings- too much ACTH, caused by long term glucocorticoid therapy or tumour. Moon face, buffalo hump, mood swings, weight gain. Treatment- withdraw the steroid

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