Clinical Case Report
Selenium deficiency in mineral-rich mid-Western Australia
AUTHOR
Venkata Kodali1 Associate Professor, Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist *
AFFILIATIONS
1 Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and University of Western Australia, 51-85 Shenton Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia
ACCEPTED: 19 July 2017
early abstract:
Context: Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human
beings. Selenoproteins play a role in anti-oxidation and in maintaining immunity. Selenoproteins are distributed in all tissues - the most important of which are glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxine reductase and deiodinases. The deiodinases are selenium dependent enzymes.
Issue: An elderly man with lethargy and tiredness who had normal free T4, TSH and a low T3 with subnormal temperature and low selenium level. Selenium supplementation normalized thyroid function tests.
Lessons learnt: Physicians should have high level of suspicion to identify Se deficiency as an effective replacement will cure the causative disorder.