Search Results
You are looking at 1 - 1 of 1 items for :
- Author: Cláudia Freitas x
- Thyroid autoimmunity x
Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
Search for other papers by Liliana Ribeiro Santos in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Health Investigation and Innovation Institute (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Search for other papers by Inês Vasconcelos Bessa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Health Investigation and Innovation Institute (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Public Health Unit, ACES Baixo Mondego, Coimbra, Portugal
Search for other papers by Adriana Gaspar da Rocha in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Endocrinology, Hospital University Centre of São João, Porto, Portugal
Search for other papers by Celestino Neves in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Cláudia Freitas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
Health Investigation and Innovation Institute (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Search for other papers by Paula Soares in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Objective
Previous trials show that selenium could be a very useful tool in the control and treatment of autoimmune thyroid diseases. In this cross-sectional study, through a survey, we aim to evaluate Portuguese endocrinologists' perception and pattern of prescription of selenium supplements in these diseases and verify its agreement with current guidelines.
Methods
The endocrinologists registered in the Portuguese Medical Association were sent an email with a web-based questionnaire, regarding their knowledge and use of selenium supplements in thyroid autoimmune pathology.
Results
A total of 105 physicians (33% of the total) submitted the survey. The selenium serum concentration in the general population was unknown to 80% of respondents. Over a third of respondents have never prescribed selenium for autoimmune thyroid disease. However, 89% are not afraid of recommending it, and 61% indicate Graves’ orbitopathy as the pathology they would supplement. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 36% of respondents use selenium occasionally or frequently, and this percentage rises to 60% in Graves’ disease.
Conclusions
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.
