Endocrinology - MIDTERM Flashcards
(112 cards)
T/F Routine thyroid function testing is recommended in asymptomatic patients
False - not recommended (outside of newborn screening)
What medications put a person at risk for thyroid disease?
Lithium
Amiodarone
Risk factors for thyroid disease? What age of women vs men?
- men: age ≥ 60
- women: age ≥ 50
- personal history or strong family history of thyroid disease;
- diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases (T1DM, celiac)
- past history of neck irradiation;
- previous thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation;
- drug therapies such as lithium and amiodarone;
- dietary factors (iodine excess and iodine deficiency in patients from developing countries); or
- certain chromosomal or genetic disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome,3
Down syndrome4
and mitochondrial disease5
-postpartum period
T/F Goitre can occur in either hypo or hyperthyroidism
True
S&S of hypothroidism
- Depression
- Decreased mental function
- ataxia
- Physical tiredness
- Paresthesia
- Hypokinesis
- Hyporeflexia
- Weight gain
- Coarse, dry skin
- Coarseness or loss of hair, inability of hair to hold a curl,
hair loss at eyebrows, and reduced growth of hair.
-reduced growth of nails - Periorbital edema
- Hoarseness
Bradycardia - Isolated diastolic hypertension
Goitre
Diminished sweating - Cold intolerance
Constipation
What is the effect of hypothroidism vs hyperthroidism on menstruation?
Hypo - menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), irregular periods
Hyper - amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea
T/F A TSH value within normal range excludes majority of cases of primary thyroid disorders
True
When do we do an US of the thyroid?
thyroid ultrasound scan is not routinely recommended in patients with abnormal thyroid function tests, unless there
is a palpable abnormality of the thyroid gland
What TSH and fT4 levels would you expect to see in hypothroidism?
High TSH
Low fT4
What TSH and fT4 in hyperthyroidism?
Low TSH
High fT4
Your patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on medication. How long should you wait before rechecking TSH?
6 weeks (rxfiles says 6-8 weeks)
- also applies for dosage changes
(consider more frequent if pt clinical status changes)
Also need to retest if weight change >20lbs
How does subclinical hypothyroidism look?
Typically asymptomatic or very nonspecific symptoms
Elevated TSH (usually <10mU/L). fT4 normal
Overtreatment with levothyroxine can cause?
atrial fibrillation (more commonly in the elderly) and bone loss in postmenopausal women
+ all other symptoms of hyperthroid
Once TSH has normalized with treatment (euthyroid), it should be checked ____ unless a new indication arises. This confirms adequacy
of treatment dose and compliance with therapy.
Annually
Does the time of day matter when taking thyroid levels?
Yes, TSH levels in the same individual can vary by 50% when measured at different
times of day, with lowest values in the late afternoon and highest values at midnight.
(RxFiles says draw blood in AM)
In individuals with subclinical
hypothyroidism, TSH values can vary by up to 40% even when measured at the same time on different days without indicating
a change in thyroid function. As long as TSH remains within the reference interval, changes over time are not important.
How often do patients on lithium and amiodarone need to have their thyroid function checked?
Lithium: q 6 months
Amio: q 3-6 months
Who is more likely to experience subclinical hypothyroidism?
Women
Advanced age
When do we treat subclinical hypothyroidism?
According to BC guidelines:
is recommended when TSH rises above 10 mU/L
Treatment can be
considered when TSH is between the upper limit of the reference interval but ≤10 mU/L and any of the following are present:
- symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism
- elevated TPO antibodies
- evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or associated risk factors for these diseases; or
- pregnancy
(Rxfiles also says young adults <30yrs)
How often do we monitor patients with subclinical hypothroid who aren’t getting treated?
q 6-12 months or sooner if change in clinical situation
Is hypothyroidism generally considered permanent?
Yes, will usually require lifelong treatment
Most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimotos thyroiditis (autoimmune)
What is a normal TSH level?
0.45 to 4.5mIU/L
TSH Level in hypothyroidism = _____
> 10
TSH levels in subclinical hypothyroidism typically:
4-10 (guidelines vary)