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Selenium deficiency in mineral-rich mid-Western Australia
1Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and University of Western Australia, 51-85 Shenton Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia venkata.kodali@uwa.edu.au.
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, thioredoxin reductase and deiodinases. The deiodinases are selenium-dependent enzymes.
Issues:
An elderly man with lethargy and tiredness who had normal free thyroid hormone T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone and a low T3 with subnormal temperature and low selenium level. Selenium supplementation normalised thyroid function tests.
Lessons Learned:
Physicians should have high level of suspicion to identify selenium deficiency as an effective replacement will cure the causative disorder.
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