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1. WEEK 5: ... LI LI
2. Thyroid
o Diagnosis & Evaluation LI LI
What labs are used to diagnose?: -TSH - used primarily for screening and diag-
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nosing hypothyroid and for monitoring replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients
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-T4 - Used to monitor thyroid hormone replacement therapy and to screen for thyroid
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dysfunction
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-T3 - Useful in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism; can also be used to monitor hormone
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replacement therapy
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-TSH low LI
-T4 normal
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-T3 is high = hyperthyroidism
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3. Thyroid
o Diagnosis & Evaluation LI LI
Timeframe for re-check of labs after starting levothyroxine?: Recheck TSH 6-8
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weeks after initiating therapy and after any dosage change; Check TSH at least once a
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year after serum TSH is stabilized
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4. Thyroid
o Diagnosis & Evaluation LI LI
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?: Hypothyroidism: Depend on severity.
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o Mild: subtle and may go unrecognized
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o Moderate to severe: LI LI
-Face is pale, puffy, and expressionless.
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,-Skin cold and dry.
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-Hair is brittle and hair loss occurs.
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-Slowed Heart rate. LI LI
-Patient may complain of lethargy, fatigue, and
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-Temperature is lowered & intolerant to cold.
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-Thyroid Enlargement may occur if reduced levels of T3 and
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T4
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Mentation may be impaired.LI LI LI
5. Thyroid
o Diagnosis & Evaluation LI LI
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, Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?: o Elevated Heart rate and strong, and
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dysrhythmias and angina may develop
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o The CNS is stimulated, resulting is nervousness, insomnia, rapid thought flow, and
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rapid speech, hyperreflexia, tremors
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o Skeletal muscles may weaken and atrophy LI LI LI LI LI
o Metabolic rate is raised, resulting in health and skin that is warm and moist LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI
o Feeling Hot + Heat intolerance LI LI LI LI
o Appetit is increased but fails to match metabolic rate resulting in weight loss
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o All of these signs are referred to as thyrotoxicosis
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o Also usually present with exophthalmos - bulging of the eyes
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6. Thyroid
o Treatment
Treatment of thyroid storm?: Characterized by profound hyperthermia (105 de- LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI LI
grees F or higher), severe tachycardia, restlessness, agitation, and tremor.
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Unconsciousness, coma, hypotension, and heart failure may ensure. LI LI LI LI LI LI LI
These symptoms are produced by excessive levels of thyroid hormone
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Thyroid crisis can be life threatening and requires immediate treatment.
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o High doses of potassium iodide or strong iodine solution are given to suppress
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thyroid hormone release.
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o Methimazole is given to suppress thyroid hormone synthesis LI LI LI LI LI LI LI
o A beta blocker is given to reduce heart rate
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o Additional measures include sedation, cooling, and giving LI LI LI LI LI LI
glucocorticoids and IVF
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7. Thyroid
o Treatment
Result of not treating hypothyroidism during pregnancy?: Can result in perma- nen
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neuropsychological deficits in the child - decrease child's IQ
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The effect of hypothyroidism is limited largely to the first trimester, a time during which
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the fetus is unable to produce thyroid hormone of its own
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Some authorities currently recommend routine screening for hypothyroidism as
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soon as pregnancy is confirmed
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Women already taking thyroid hormone replacement will need to increase dose by
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50% max between weeks 4-8 of gestation and the levels will level out by week 16
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8. Thyroid
o Treatment
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