Selenium supplementation in individuals with newly diagnosed Graves' hyperthyroidism: a double-blind, multi-centre...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Graves' hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland.
• Selenium is a trace element with antioxidant properties, and its role in Graves' disease is under investigation.
• Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial outcome measure in chronic conditions like Graves' hyperthyroidism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of selenium supplementation versus placebo in improving remission rates for Graves' hyperthyroidism.
• To assess the impact of selenium on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial (Graves' Selenium Supplementation - GRASS trial) involving 430 participants.
• Participants received daily 200 μg selenium or placebo for 24-30 months alongside standard antithyroid drugs (ATD).
• Remission was defined by sustained normal thyroid hormone levels and absence of ATD use; QoL was measured using the ThyPRO instrument.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in non-remission rates between the selenium (54.6%) and placebo (53.3%) groups (OR = 1.0; P = 0.98).
• Selenium supplementation showed no beneficial effect on any quality of life (QoL) scale assessed by ThyPRO.
• Thyrotropin receptor antibody levels remained similar between groups at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Daily selenium supplementation, as an add-on to standard antithyroid drugs, did not demonstrate any benefits for newly diagnosed Graves' hyperthyroidism.
• The GRASS trial findings do not support the use of selenium supplementation for managing Graves' hyperthyroidism.
• Selenium does not appear to influence remission rates or quality of life in this patient population.