Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Selenium is a mineral that plays a key role in the intracellular reactions of the thyroid. Some selenium-based proteins have a protective antioxidant function in thyrocytes. Likewise, Selenium is incorporated into deiodinases, helping in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Through its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, selenium affects the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Graves Disease. Supplementation with selenium is often prescribed as an adjuvant therapy for autoimmune thyroid disease. Most studies focus on its impact on the level of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. We report a case of the effect of selenium supplementation on thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Key words: Selenium, Tsh, TSi, Graves Desease, Long time

Case Report: The patient, female of 19 years of age, came to an endocrinology clinic with complains of fatigue, insomnia, increased sweating, tachycardia and hand tremors. She has been treated with Selenium for thyroid problems (she referred she had before a value below the normal level of TSH but she had not a medical document to prove it at the time of the visit.) We retook the blood tests and performed a thyroid ultrasound (US). The US resulted normal. Blood tests were compatible with hyperthyroidism. TSI 1.26 IU/l (<1.22). Because of the increased level of thyroid hormones, the patient was started Methimazole 5 mg/day. She was not interrupted Selenium from 2 years. Within 6 weeks of treatment she was euthyroid and TSI were within the normal range. These results persisted even after three months.

Conclusion: Selenium plays an important role in thyroid autoimmune processes. Intervention with supplements of this micronutrient can significantly affect the restoration of euthyroid status and immunological stabilization in Graves Disease.