Thyroid function in 44 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In an endemic goiter area of West Germany (incidence of goiter, 19% to 32%), thyroid function was evaluated in 44 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with radioimmunoassay of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroxine-binding globulin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, including the protirelin stimulation test. The presence of circulating anti-thyroid antibodies was sought by hemagglutination techniques. All patients were found to be euthyroid and thyroid antibody-negative. Clinical examination disclosed concomitant goiter in 36% (16/44). The data suggest that thyroid status is not relevant to the pathogenesis of ALS.