Survey on selenium clinical supplementation in autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors' conclusion
Although recommendations only encompass mild Graves' orbitopathy, selenium is prescribed across the spectrum of autoimmune thyroid diseases, probably due to recent studies that consistently show improvement of biochemical hallmarks in these patients. Further investigation is required on the impact of selenium supplements on primarily clinical outcomes and to identify disorders and/or patients who will benefit the most. Also, there is still insufficient knowledge of this field in the medical community, and evidence-based practice should continue to be promoted by endocrinology societies.
Study context
- Population
- Endocrinologists registered in the Portuguese Medical Association33% of total
- Participants
- 105 participants
- Outcome
- Endocrinologists' perception and pattern of prescription of selenium supplements in autoimmune thyroid diseases and agreement with current guidelines
Methodological detailsweb-based questionnaire survey
- Web-based questionnaire survey
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Selenium serum concentration in general population unknown
- 80%
- Never prescribed selenium for autoimmune thyroid disease
- Over a third
- Not afraid of recommending selenium
- 89%
- Indicate Graves' orbitopathy as pathology they would supplement
- 61%
- Use selenium occasionally or frequently in Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- 36%
- Use selenium occasionally or frequently in GD
- 60%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
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