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Query: UMLS:C0015672 (fatigue)
 51,768 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a clinical condition characterized by a persistent or relapsing debilitating fatigue at rest, lasting more than 6 months, and made worse by exercise. At the present moment, there are three potential etiopathogenic factors: immunologic, viral and neuroendocrine. The purpose of our study was to evaluate possible alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in our CFS patients by studying the circadian rhythms of prolactin (PRL), thyrotropic hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol (CS). A total of 36 patients were enrolled according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case-definition criteria. Twenty healthy subjects were included as controls. Blood samples were taken every 4 hours during a single 24-hour period. We performed a fluorometric enzyme immunoassay with serum PRL, cortisol and TSH, and an immunoradiometric assay with plasma ACTH. The circadian rhythms of PRL, TSH, ACTH and CS were statistically significant in both CFS and control groups. At 24:00 and 04:00 hrs the CFS patients showed lower ACTH levels than healthy subjects (p < 0.001); the PRL levels were higher at 04.00 h in CFS patients than in healthy subjects.
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PMID:Chronic fatigue syndrome: circadian rhythm and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis impairment. 1262 84

Hypothyroidism with thyroglobulin antibodies during corticoid replacement in a 54-year-old man with isolated ACTH deficiency. HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 54-year-old previously healthy man was admitted because of fatigue, tiredness, diarrhoea and weight loss for the last 3 years. Physical examination revealed dry but normally pigmented skin and markedly reduced Achilles reflex bilaterally. INVESTIGATIONS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was slightly elevated at 32 mm/h, C-reactive protein was normal. Both haemoglobin (12.4 mg/dl) and the corpuscular indices were normal, as were serum electrolytes, and sodium bicarbonate. But basal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, 8.5 mU/ml) was markedly elevated, while free peripheral triiodothyronine (3.2pg/ml) was normal and free thyroxine (fT4) at 0.7 ng/d was slightly reduced. Thyroid ultrasound was normal. Test for antinuclear antibodies was slightly positive, but double-strand DNA was not demonstrated. Antithyroglobulin antibodies were slightly raised to 1012 IU/ml (normal <350). The basic level of ACTH was repeatedly below detection, as were plasma cortisol and cortisol excretion in 24-hour urine. Nuclear magnetic imaging was normal. Failure to stimulate corticol synthesis in the short ACTH test and by CRH indicated an isolated ACTH deficiency at the level of the anterior pituitary, while other hypophyseal functions were unaffected. TREATMENT AND COURSE: The patient"s condition rapidly improved on replacement with hydrocortisone, 30 mg/d, and thyroxine, 100 mg/d. No thyroglobulin antibodies or antinuclear antibodies were demonstrable after 6 months. Thyroxine was discontinued after 15 months. Frequent monitoring of thyroid function over the next 2 years always indicated a euthyroid state. CONCLUSION: Subnormal concentration of peripheral thyroid hormone combined with elevated TSH levels can, in the presence of hypercorticolism, be due to reversible abnormal thyroid function.
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PMID:[Hypothyreoidism with thyroglobulin antibodies during corticoid replacement in a 54-year-old man with isolated ACTH deficiency] 1275 Oct 16

Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with aspecific complaints such as tiredness, cognitive and depressive complaints, subtle disturbances in lipid values, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, ovulatory dysfunction and a negative effect on foetal psychomotor development and pregnancy outcome. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis and dementia. Not enough prospective randomised studies with hard outcomes are available to provide evidence-based general recommendations. Therefore, the decision as to whether or not a patient should be treated needs to be made on an individual basis. For subclinical hypothyroidism it is advisable to consider treatment in the case of positive thyroid peroxidase antibody tests, a TSH concentration higher than 10 mU/l, the presence of one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, infertility on the basis of ovulatory dysfunction, and pregnancy. In the case of complaints of tiredness and certainly in the case of depression or cognitive dysfunction, a 3-month trial treatment can be considered. This leads to a decrease of the complaints in about 25% of cases. As negative effects are associated with the treatment, we advise an expectant approach in all other cases with a yearly monitoring of the TSH concentration. For subclinical hyperthyroidism it is advisable to consider treatment in the case of a nodular goitre, and especially in the case of atrial fibrillations. If subclinical hyperthyroidism persists in the absence of nodular thyroid disease, an expectant approach appears to be justified.
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PMID:[Subclinical functional disorders of the thyroid gland]. 1284 32

Hashimoto's thyroiditis and membranous nephropathy are believed to be mediated by immune mechanisms. A 12 year-old patient is reported who presented with fatigue, dislike of cold, pallor and growth retardation. Initial laboratory assessment showed moderate proteinuria and impaired renal function (serum creatinine 2.3 mg/dl), and hypothyroidism due to autoimmune thyroiditis. Light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy of the renal biopsy showed membranous nephropathy. The patient recovered from nephropathy after substitution of thyroid hormone and therapy with prednisone. Megalin can be envisaged as a potential pathogenetic link between the two disease entities. The glycoprotein megalin is expressed on thyroid cells in a TSH-dependent manner and may have a crucial role in the immunopathogenesis of glomerular injury in membranous nephropathy. For similar cases, we want to encourage colleagues to consider this hypothesis and to examine blood and renal biopsy specimens for the presence of megalin and antibodies against it.
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PMID:Autoimmune thyroiditis in association with membranous nephropathy. 1496 28

Thyroid dysfunction is extremely common in women and has unique consequences related to menstrual cyclicity and reproduction. Even minimal hypothyroidism can increase rates of miscarriage and fetal death and may also have adverse effects on later cognitive development of the offspring. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy may also have adverse consequences. Accordingly, thyrotropin (TSH) determination is warranted for all women planning pregnancy or those already pregnant. Replacement doses should be carefully monitored throughout pregnancy because the increased renal iodine loss and estrogen-induced rise in thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) often result in a higher dose requirement. Although thyroid abnormalities are part of the standard differential diagnosis of menstrual disorders, recent studies indicate that these are relatively infrequent causes. Nonetheless, TSH is still required as part of the laboratory evaluation of women with abnormal cycles. The incidence of postpartum thyroiditis is high--6%-8% in various studies. A TSH should be performed in all postpartum patients who are depressed, who complain of unusual fatigue or anxiety or have any of the classical symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Practitioners providing health care for women should be alert to thyroid disorders as possible etiological factors in nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and depression. However, most women with these symptoms are euthyroid; replacement therapy for them is not indicated. The long-standing dogma of thyroidology that replacement with levothyroxine alone is satisfactory for all hypothyroid patients has recently been questioned but results of trials are inconclusive. Nonetheless, satisfactory regimens can be found for the vast majority of patients.
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PMID:Thyroid dysfunction and women's reproductive health. 1567

We present a 71-year-old female patient suffering from a sore throat with unilateral neck swelling, pain on swallowing, subfebrile temperatures and general fatigue persisting for several weeks without any clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, although laboratory findings show high concentrations of T(3) and T(4) and a low TSH. A massive ESR elevation is found as well. Ultrasound reveals an inhomogeneous pattern of the thyroid gland with low echogenicity. (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake is suppressed. The diagnosis of acute/subacute thyroiditis de Quervain is concluded. Therapeutic application of prednisone leads to a swift improvement, yet two weeks later asymptomatic hypothyroidism is diagnosed, requiring substitution of thyroxine. We discuss de Quervain's thyroiditis and the differential diagnosis of inflammatory disorders of the thyroid gland.
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PMID:[Pharyngitis, massive ESR elevation and hyperthyroidism in a 71-year-old female patient]. 1532 9

Controversy remains about the value of combined treatment with levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3), compared with LT4 alone in primary hypothyroidism. We compared combined treatment with LT4 and LT3 in a ratio of 5:1 or 10:1 with LT4 monotherapy. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in 141 patients (18-70 yr old) with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism, recruited via general practitioners. Inclusion criteria included: LT4 treatment for 6 months or more, a stable dose for 6 wk or more, and serum TSH levels between 0.11 and 4.0 microU/ml (mU/liter). Randomization groups were: 1) continuation of LT4 (n = 48); 2) LT4/LT3, ratio 10:1 (n = 46); and 3) LT4/LT3, ratio 5:1 (n = 47). Subjective preference of study medication after 15 wk, compared with usual LT4, was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included scores on questionnaires on mood, fatigue, psychological symptoms, and a substantial set of neurocognitive tests. Study medication was preferred to usual treatment by 29.2, 41.3, and 52.2% in the LT4, 10:1 ratio, and 5:1 ratio groups, respectively (chi2 test for trend, P = 0.024). This linear trend was not substantiated by results on any of the secondary outcome measures: scores on questionnaires and neurocognitive tests consistently ameliorated, but the amelioration was not different among the treatment groups. Median end point serum TSH was 0.64 microU/ml (mU/liter), 0.35 microU/ml (mU/liter), and 0.07 microU/ml (mU/liter), respectively [ANOVA on ln(TSH) for linear trend, P < 0.01]. Mean body weight change was +0.1, -0.5, and -1.7 kg, respectively (ANOVA for trend, P = 0.01). Decrease in weight, but not decrease in serum TSH was correlated with increased satisfaction with study medication. Of the patients who preferred combined LT4/LT3 therapy, 44% had serum TSH less than 0.11 microU/ml (mU/liter). Patients preferred combined LT4/LT3 therapy to usual LT4 therapy, but changes in mood, fatigue, well-being, and neurocognitive functions could not satisfactorily explain why the primary outcome was in favor of LT4/LT3 combination therapy. Decrease in body weight was associated with satisfaction with study medication.
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PMID:Combined therapy with levothyroxine and liothyronine in two ratios, compared with levothyroxine monotherapy in primary hypothyroidism: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. 1570 21

We describe a case of a 42-year-old male, with a 5-year history of recurrent gum bleeding, easy bruising, and chronic fatigue who presented for management of possible bleeding complications prior to a planned dental procedure. After extensive work-up, the patient was diagnosed with acquired von Willebrand Disease and underlying hypothyroidism with a thyrotropin (TSH) of 321 mIU/L (0.35-5.5) and total thyroxine (T(4)) of less than 1 microg/dL (4.5-12.5). He was started on levothyroxine and therapy and when compliant with treatment, the mucosal bleeding and symptoms of hypothyroidism were resolved. A subsequent TSH and total T(4) samples were drawn and found to be 6.3 mIU/L and 4.1 microg/dL, respectively.
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PMID:An unusual presentation of hypothyroidism. 1578 50

A 75-year-old woman complained about progressing fatigue. She appeared somnolent, but fully oriented and in no acute distress. Her face was pale and puffy. She did not show any signs of focal neurological disease, and the remainder of the physical examination was unrevealing. Routine laboratory tests were unremarkable except for hyponatremia and mildly decreased levels of free T3 and free T4, with TSH in the normal range. Pituitary function tests demonstrated secondary adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unmasked hypophysitis with the characteristic findings of homogeneous gadolinium uptake of the pituitary and a prominent pituitary stalk ('dural tail sign', arrows in Fig. 1 A and B, sagittal and coronal views). Substitution of hydrocortisone and levothyroxine resulted in rapid and sustained improvement of all symptoms and normalisation of laboratory findings. MRI abnormalities normalized within the following six months. At follow-up three years later, MRI signs had further regressed and demonstrated an empty sella (Fig. 2 A and B).
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PMID:Unusual presentation of hypophysitis preceding an empty sella in a 75-year-old woman. 1638 Jun 71

The use of sustained release tri-iodothyronine (SR-T3) in clinical practice, has gained popularity in the complementary and alternative medical community in the treatment of chronic fatigue with a protocol (WT3) pioneered by Dr. Denis Wilson. The WT3 protocol involves the use of SR-T3 taken orally by the patient every 12 hours according to a cyclic dose schedule determined by patient response. The patient is then weaned once a body temperature of 98.6 degrees F has been maintained for 3 consecutive weeks. The symptoms associated with this protocol have been given the name Wilson's Temperature Syndrome (WTS). There have been clinical studies using T3 in patients who are euthyroid based on normal TSH values. However, this treatment has created a controversy in the conventional medical community, especially with the American Thyroid Association, because it is not based on a measured deficiency of thyroid hormone. However, just as estrogen and progesterone are prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles in patients who have normal serum hormone levels, the WT3 therapy can be used to regulate metabolism despite normal serum thyroid hormone levels. SR-T3 prescription is based exclusively on low body temperature and presentation of symptoms. Decreased T3 function exerts widespread effects throughout the body. It can decrease serotonin and growth hormone levels and increase the number of adrenal hormone receptor sites. These effects may explain some of the symptoms observed in WTS. The dysregulation of neuroendocrine function may begin to explain such symptoms as alpha intrusion into slow wave sleep, decrease in blood flow to the brain, alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, fatigue, myalgia and arthralgia, depression and cognitive dysfunction. Despite all thermoregulatory control mechanisms of the body and the complex metabolic processes involved, WT3 therapy seems a valuable tool to re-establish normal body functions. We report the results of 11 patients who underwent the WT3 protocol for the treatment of CFS. All the patients improved in the five symptoms measured. All patients increased their basal temperature. The recovery time varied from 3 weeks to 12 months.
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PMID:Supraphysiological cyclic dosing of sustained release T3 in order to reset low basal body temperature. 1688 75


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