3E - Agustin, Anne Julia - Group 1 - Case 7,8
3E - Agustin, Anne Julia - Group 1 - Case 7,8
3E - Agustin, Anne Julia - Group 1 - Case 7,8
P a g e | 41
CASE 7 QUESTIONS
Source:
Diagnosis, Empiric Management and Prevention of Community Acquired Pneumonia in
Immunocompetent Adults 2016 Update
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 20th edition
Katzung’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 14th edition
• CBC
• Basic metabolic panel
• Blood gas analysis
• Serum biomarkers i.e CRP and prolactinin
• PCR test
Yes. For patients who are hospitalized, a follow-up radiograph is recommended 4-6 weeks
after discharge.
CASE 8 QUESTIONS
Reference: Pharmacotherapy: Principles and Practice by Chrisholm-Burns et al (4th
edition, 2016) – Chapter 44 – Thyroid Disorders
1. Describe the methods used in screening for hypothyroidism (see Screening for
Hypothyroidism)(1)
• In most patients with thyroid hormone disorders, measurement of a serum TSH level is
adequate for initial screening and diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Serum free thyroxine FT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3) levels may be helpful in distinguishing
mild (subclinical) thyroid disease from overt disease.
Signs Symptoms
• bradycardia
• lethargy, fatigue
• non-pitting edema
• depression
• dry skin
• weight gain, constipation
• slow movements
• cold intolerance
• slow speech
• menstrual irregularities
• hypore exia and delayed relaxation of
• paresthesia
re ex
• hoarseness
5. What are the major goals in the treatment of hypothyroidism? (See Treatment of
Hypothyroidism)(1)
• Restoration of euthyroid state
• Reversal of clinical progression of the patient
• Correct metabolic derangements
6. Enumerate the 4 thyroid preparations and describe their content. (See Table 44
– 3 – Thyroid Preparations)(1)
7. Why is synthetic LT4 the treatment of choice for almost all patients with
hypothyroidism? (See Treatment of Hypothyroidism – Thyroid Hormone
Products – Key Concept)(1)
• LT4 mimics the normal physiology of the thyroid gland, which secretes mostly T4 as
a prohormone. Peripheral tissues convert T4 to T3 as needed based on metabolic
demands. If T3 is used to treat hypothyroidism, the peripheral tissues lose their
ability to control local metabolic rates.
• With a 7- to 10-day half-life, LT4 provides a very smooth dose-response curve with
little peak and trough e ect.
8. Fill in the blanks.In patients younger than age 65 years with overt
hypothyroidism,the average LT4 replacement dose is 1.6 __________
mcg/kg/day (use idealbody
weight in obese patients).The full replacement dose in patients older than age 75
1mcg/kg/day .(See Treatment of Hypothyroidism – Thyroid
yearsis lower, about __________
Hormone Products – Therapeutic Use of LT4)(1)
9. What are the risks of overtreatment and undertreatment with LT4? (See
Treatment of Hypothyroidism – Thyroid Hormone Products – Risks of
Overtreatment and Undertreatment)(1)
• Overtreatment: may cause subclinical hyperthyroidism or even overt
hyperthyroidism with risk of atrial brillation, depression or mental status
changes in adults
• Undertreatment: may cause progression of disease, hypercholesterolemia and
further metabolic derangements
10. How will LT4 therapy be monitored in patients with hypothyroidism? (See Table
44-5 Monitoring LT4 Therapy)(1)
• Serum TSH monitoring every 6-12 months or if there is a change in clinical status
◦or 6-8 weeks after any dose or product change
• Assess for signs and symptoms of over- and undertreatment
• Identify potential interactions between LT4, and foods and/or drugs