Coordination and control – the endocrine system

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Question 7
Hard

Doctors can diagnose subclinical hyperthyroidism by measuring the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in a patient's blood.

  • If the TSH level is strictly below 0.40 mU/L0.40\text{ mU/L}0.40 mU/L, this suggests the patient may have hyperthyroidism.
  • A patient has her TSH levels monitored monthly over an eight-month period as shown in the table below:
MonthTSH level (mU/L\text{mU/L}mU/L)
January0.35
February0.42
March0.38
April0.40
May0.31
June0.45
July0.28
August0.39
a.

Calculate the percentage of the monthly readings that are strictly below the threshold of 0.40 mU/L0.40\text{ mU/L}0.40 mU/L.

[2]
b.

Suggest two further steps or laboratory investigations the doctor should take to confirm whether the patient has permanent hyperthyroidism.

[2]
c.

The doctor discusses a treatment option called carbimazole (an antithyroid medication) with the patient, providing her with the following information:

Information about Carbimazole treatment:

  • Benefits: Reduces the synthesis of thyroid hormones to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, palpitations, tremors, and heat intolerance. Reduces long-term risks of heart failure and osteoporosis.
  • Risks/Considerations:
    • Can cause bone marrow suppression (agranulocytosis), which is a life-threatening reduction in white blood cells. Patients must immediately report infections, fevers, or sore throats.
    • Can cause drug-induced liver injury (hepatotoxicity), particularly in individuals with compromised liver function.
    • Associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (birth defects) if taken during early pregnancy.
    • Requires long-term periodic blood tests to monitor hormone levels, liver function, and full blood counts.

The patient is a 28-year-old female with moderate anxiety and hand tremors who is planning to start a family in the next year. She has a history of mild hepatic impairment from a previous viral infection.

Discuss the factors this specific patient should consider when making her decision about whether to start carbimazole treatment.

[4]

Coordination and control – the endocrine system Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Biology
  3. /Coordination and control – the endocrine system