Study of Immune Markers in Blood and Spinal Fluid Linked to Mental Fatigue After Graves Disease Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating mental fatigue, a common but poorly understood symptom in many diseases, focusing on its occurrence after treatment of Graves disease. They suspect that this lingering mental fatigue may be due to an autoimmune response. This observational study aims to identify immune system markers linked to mental fatigue in women who have been treated for Graves disease, with plans to validate these findings in future research. The study also compares these patients to thyroid-healthy women without mental fatigue. Participants are divided into three groups women diagnosed with Graves disease 15 to 60 months ago who have mental fatigue, women with Graves disease in the same timeframe without mental fatigue, and healthy women without thyroid disease or mental fatigue. Each participant is assessed once for thyroid hormone levels, quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, coping strategies, eye symptoms, and background information. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples are pooled and analyzed to detect antibodies that may target brain proteins, especially those more common in patients with mental fatigue. During the single visit, researchers will collect questionnaires and biological samples to measure various immune markers, thyroid antibodies, cytokines, nerve damage indicators, and self-reported mental and physical health factors. They will also examine the prevalence of eye disease linked to Graves and compare quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, coping, optimism, and personality traits among the groups. The primary goal is to find antibodies associated with mental fatigue in Graves disease. The study is conducted in women aged 18 to 72 years and is expected to continue until December 2028.

Exploring Immunological Markers Associated With Mental Fatigue in Graves' Disease