Respouse to Metals inPatients with Chronic Fatigue and Autoimmune Endocrinopathies

Overview

Our study was designed to assess the effect of heavy metals on the severity of fatigue in autoim-mune thyroid disease associated with autoantibodies against other endocrine organs. We compa-red our data with those obtained from other groups of patients.A total of five groups of patients were examined by their medical history, dental examination, andusing a modified test of blast transformation of metals (Melisa TM ): a) 10 fatigues female patientswith autoimmune thyroidism and polyglandular activation of autoimmunity, b) 12 fatigued pati-ents with autoimmune thyroidism, c) 28 fatigued patients free of endocrinopathy, d) 22 professio-nals without evidence of autoimmunity, e) 13 controls, a population sample, the individuals didnot complain of marked fatigue and their laboratory tests did not show signs of autoimmunityand endocrinopathy.Fatigue regardless of the underlying disease is primarily associated with hypersensitivity toinorganic and organic mercury, nickel, and gold. The groups differed in their hypersensitivity toother metals.In the control group, hypersensitivity - mostly to cadmium and lead - was found in four of theexamined individuals only.Statistical analysis of data obtained from professionals and controls revealed a higher incidenceof positivity to organic and inorganic mercury and nickel in professionals.

Key words:
Hypersensitivity to heavy metals - Autoimmune thyroidism - Autoimmune polyglandu-lar syndrome - Chronic fatigue