Understanding Thyroid Antibodies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary result of elevated Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO Ab)?

Normal immune response to infections

Destruction of the thyroid gland (correct)

Increase in thyroid hormone levels

Autoimmune attack leading to gland overactivity

What are the two types of antibodies that may be present in autoimmune thyroid conditions?

Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin antibodies and Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (correct)

Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies and Luteinizing hormone antibodies

Thyroid-binding globulin antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies

Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies

What follow-up is recommended for family members with raised levels of thyroid antibodies but no symptoms?

Follow-up checks every six months to a year are recommended (correct)

Immediate treatment should be initiated

Annual follow-up checks are recommended

No follow-up required as they have no symptoms

Which antibody is primarily associated with Graves' disease?

Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI Ab) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reference range for Thyroglobulin Antibodies according to the information provided?

Less than 200 mUI/ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI Ab)?

Activate TSH receptors and stimulate hormone overproduction Signup and view all the answers

In which condition are both TPO Ab and TG Ab commonly elevated?

Autoimmune thyroiditis Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the relationship between antibody levels and the severity of illness?

A correlation can be established between the levels of thyroid antibodies and severity of illness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator that a patient may develop Hashimoto’s disease?

High levels of TPO Ab Signup and view all the answers

Why might family members with raised thyroid antibody levels not show clinical symptoms?

The thyroid can compensate for the present condition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Antithyroglobulin Antibody (TG Ab) is true?

Its elevation is less than that of TPO Ab in autoimmune thyroiditis. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the immune response in autoimmune thyroiditis?

Destruction of specific thyroid proteins by antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly differentiates Graves' disease from Hashimoto's disease?

Graves' disease involves TSI Ab causing overproduction of hormones. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Thyroid Antibodies

Antibodies are produced by the immune system to combat foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Occasionally, the immune system may mistakenly attack the body’s own proteins, leading to tissue damage, particularly in the thyroid.

Types of Thyroid Antibodies

Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO Ab):
- Known as Antithyroid Microsomal Ab.
- Significantly elevated in Hashimoto’s disease (autoimmune thyroiditis), indicating thyroid cell destruction.
- Found in nearly all cases of Hashimoto’s disease; elevated in 65% of Graves’ disease patients.
Antithyroglobulin Antibody (TG Ab):
- Levels rise in autoimmune thyroiditis, but to a lesser degree than TPO Ab.
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI Ab):
- Targets TSH receptors in the thyroid, leading to excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Primarily responsible for Graves’ disease.

Clinical Implications

Presence of thyroid antibodies indicates potential autoimmune thyroid disorders; patients may have or develop Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease.
Family members may have elevated levels of thyroid antibodies without clinical symptoms; monitoring is recommended.
Regular check-ups every six months to a year are advisable for individuals with elevated antibody levels.

Reference Ranges for Antibody Testing

Thyroglobulin Antibodies:
- Reference range: <200 mUI/ml or Ab Index ≤0.9.
Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies:
- Reference range: <150 mUI/ml or Ab Index ≤0.9.

Correlation Between Antibody Levels and Illness Severity

A direct relationship exists between the levels of thyroid antibodies and the severity of thyroid-related illness.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of thyroid antibodies and their role in the immune system. It explains how these antibodies can mistakenly target the body's own proteins, potentially leading to health issues. Gain clarity on a key topic in thyroid health and immunology through this informative assessment.