Editors' note: Depressed TSH level as a predictor of poststroke fatigue in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

In the article “Depressed TSH level as a predictor of poststroke fatigue in patients with acute ischemic stroke”, Wang et al. found that serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone were inversely associated with risk and severity of poststroke fatigue (PSF) in 704 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke, suggesting that neuroendocrine responses could have a role in PSF. In response, Dr. Bunevicius notes that thyroid hormone concentrations fluctuate in the acute phase of stroke, making it difficult to estimate whether single-point thyroid-related measurements reflect prior or new hormonal balance or an acute response, and provides examples of medications and interventions that may interfere with thyroid gland functioning in the acute stroke setting. Dr. Bunevicius also suggests examining the relationship of the triiodothyronine to thyroxin ratio and PFS severity. The authors did not respond to these comments. In the article “Depressed TSH level as a predictor of poststroke fatigue in patients with acute ischemic stroke”, Wang et al. found that serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone were inversely associated with risk and severity of poststroke fatigue (PSF) in 704 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke, suggesting that neuroendocrine responses could have a role in PSF.