title: Changes in triiodothyronine mark severe pain syndrome: a case report.
abstract: Non-thyroidal illness is classically associated with a low total triiodothyronine (T3) level. Episodes of severe recurrent dental pain unassociated with fever or systemic infection in a patient was marked 2 to 3 weeks later by low T3 levels (56 ng/ml). Other thyroid and metabolic tests were normal. T3 levels returned to normal on resolution of pain. Recurrence of a transient, mild episode of pain was not associated with a low T3 2 weeks after its onset. We suggest that T3 levels may be markers for severe pain and suffering or disturbances responsible for pain and suffering in patients receiving analgesics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX 78236.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Dons
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Shakir
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013577:Syndrome; D014070:Tooth; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014284:Triiodothyronine