Acromegaly is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone. It is characterised by progressive enlargement of the hands, feet, and face, as well as systemic complications. Excess growth hormone in children causes gigantism due to long bone growth since the…
Diabetes insipidus is an inability to concentrate urine due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or insensitivity to ADH in the kidneys. Classification of diabetes inspidus Classification Description Causes Central diabetes insipidus Reduced secretion of ADH by the posterior…
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is caused by excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production despite low plasma osmolality or large plasma volume. It is characterised by euvolemic hyponatremia – dilutional hyponatremia with no evidence of extracellular fluid overload. The diagnosis…
Antithyroid Drugs Drug Action Propylthiouracil (PTU) Inhibits thyroid peroxidase and blocks iodine organification. Also inhibits the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 Methimazole Large doses of steroids inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 and inhibit hormone production Beta-blockers…
Myxoedema coma is an extreme form of hypothyroidism that has a high mortality. It is rare, but it can occur in patients with undiagnosed or undertreated hypothyroidism.
Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in an asymptomatic patient with a TSH > 4 mU/L with normal T4 and T3. Subclinical hypothyroidism is common in older patients. 10% of patients more than 55 years old have elevated TSH. The risk of progression…
Diagnosis TSH Free T4 Nota bene Thyrotoxicosis Low High Free T4 is normal in T3 thyrotoxicosis Primary hypothyroidism High Low Secondary hypothyroidism Low Low Steroids should be given before replacing thyroxine Sick euthyroid syndrome (non-thyroidal illness) Low (may be normal)…