AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE OF THYROID HORMONE DYSFUNCTION: A CASE REPORT
Abstract
Iodine supplementation is associated with a greater incidence of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Iodine is an essential raw material for thyroid hormone synthesis. Adequate intakes of both iodine and selenium are required for optimal thyroid function. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and deficiency will impair synthesis of these hormones. Selenium is essential for the biosynthesis and function of the iodothyronine deiodinases that control the conversion of T4 to T3. A 45-years-old woman presented to the outpatient clinic with complaints of generalized swelling in the body, fatigue, and weakness with the irregular menstrual cycle and heavy flow of menstrual bleeding. At our first observation, with clinical signs of hypothyroidism: the regular pulse of 70 bpm and weight. Physical examination confirmed the blood pressure was 90/70mm of Hg. The patient was diagnosed with overt signs of hypothyroid with TPO antibodies quite higher with the normal range. FT4 and TSH also showed the hypofunction of the thyroid gland. The patient was already on medications (high dose of thyroxin 1000µg). The planned treatment was suggested and After one-month thyroid profile was done. After the therapy investigators observed significant changes in thyroid hormone function after the administration of 350 mcg iodine and elemental selenium 275mcg to a patient with underlying autoimmune thyroiditis. Thus, iodine and selenium supplementation reduce the dose of thyroxine to 350mcg.
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References
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