What is required for production of T3 and T4?
iodine
How is T3 made?
usually from the breakdown of T4; <20% directly produced by the thyroid gland
Does T3 or T4 have longer half-life?
T4
Is T3 or T4 more potent?
T3
What form of thyroid hormone is active and monitored in patients with thyroid disorders?
free T4
What can happen if hypothyroidism is left untreated or decompensates?
myxedema coma: life-threatening emergency characterized by poor circulation, hypothermia, hypometabolism
How is myxedema coma treated?
IV levothyroxine
What are s/sx of hypothyroidism?
What key drugs can cause hypothyroidism?
ITALC:
1. Interferons
2. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib)
3. Amiodarone
4. Lithium
5. Carbamazepine
What other drugs can cause hypothyroidism?
What conditions can cause hypothyroidism?
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Low free T4 and high TSH
What is a normal free T4?
0.9-2.3 ng/dL
What is a normal TSH?
0.3-3 mIU/L
How often should TSH and symptoms be monitored?
every 4-6 weeks until levels are normal
What can happen if too much thyroid hormone replacement is given?
What are boxed warnings for thyroid hormone replacements?
What are contraindications for using thyroid replacement?
uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
What are warnings with thyroid replacement hormones?
What are SEs with thyroid replacement hormones?
What are the monitoring parameters with thyroid replacement hormones?
TSH levels and clinical symptoms:
1. every 4-6 weeks until levels are normal
2. then every 4-6 months
3. annually
How should PO levothyroxine be taken?
with water at least 60 minutes before breakfast or at bedtime (at least 3 hours after the last meal)
What is the IV:PO ratio for levothyroxine?
0.75:1
What is the DOC for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (T4)