endo - hypothyroidism

Question 1

define hypothyroidism

Answer 1

insufficient thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

Question 2

what is thyroid hormone essential for

Answer 2

development and functioning of the brain and body.

Question 3

2 types of hypothyroidism in children

Answer 3

congenital or acquired.

Question 4

what is congenital hypothryorisim

Answer 4

refers to when hypothyroidism develops before birth. This occurs in around 1 in 3000 newborns.

Question 5

causes of congenital hypothyroidism

Answer 5

Thyroid dysgenesis (an underdeveloped thyroid gland)

Dyshormonogenesis (a fully developed gland that does not produce enough hormone)

Pituitary or hypothalamus pathology (rare)

Question 6

when is congenital hypothyroidism screened for

Answer 6

on the newborn blood spot screening test.

Question 7

how do patints present if their congenital hypothyroidism has not been picked up

Answer 7

Prolonged neonatal jaundice
Poor feeding
Constipation
Reduced activity
Slow growth
Delayed development

Question 8

what is acuqired hypothyroidism

Answer 8

refers to when hypothyroidism develops after previously normal thyroid function.

Question 9

mc cause of acquired hypothyroidism

Answer 9

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Question 10

what is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Answer 10

an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland

Question 11

what is hashimotos associated with

Answer 11

Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies

Anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies

Other autoimmune conditions, particularly type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease

Question 12

what do blood tests of hashimotos show

Answer 12

Low T3 and T4

Raised TSH (due to a lack of negative feedback on the pituitary gland)

Question 13

sx of hashimotos

Answer 13

Fatigue and low energy
Poor growth
Weight gain
Poor school performance
Constipation
Dry skin and hair loss

Question 14

investigations for hypothyrodiism

Answer 14

TFT - T3,T4,TSH

thyroid ultrasound

thyroid antibodies.

Question 15

how to treat hypothyroidism

Answer 15

Levothyroxine - taken orally once a day, replaces the normal thyroid hormones