Of the following patient conditions, which patients would be at risk for experiencing a thyroid problem due to a decrease in thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG)? Select all that apply.
A) A 55-year-old male with cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse
B) A 47-year-old female experiencing hot flashes and excess diaphoresis related to menopause
C) A 75-year-old man receiving chronic glucocorticoid therapy to treat his severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
D) A 18-year-old female anorexia nervosa patient weighing 78 lb and has consumed no protein for the past 3 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A number of disease conditions and pharmacologic agents can decrease the amount of binding protein in the plasma or influence the binding of hormone. Glucocorticoid medications and systemic disease conditions such as protein malnutrition, nephritic syndrome, and cirrhosis decrease TBG concentrations.

Of the Following Patient Conditions, Which Patients Would Be at Risk