[optimist]

#1018268

I was interested in hearing your highest reading, considering you have any TPO antibodies at all. Thanks

[Kimberly]

#1063617

Hello – TPOab are used in the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, particularly if the patient is hypO. For some reason, about half of Graves’ patients will test positive for these antibodies as well…but to my knowledge, the presence of these antibodies does not impact the course of our disease or our treatment options. Hopefully, you will get some responses, but my guess is that most of the folks on this board probably do not get TPO antibodies tested regularly.

[optimist]

#1063618

Thank for your reply. I don’t know if ‘ANTI-TPO” and TPOAB are the same. My Anti-TPO was 732 just recently after a MILD thyroid storm.

[Ellen_B]

#1063619

I have a little bit of information to share with you on why Graves’ patients test positive for anti-TPO antibodies. This is Dr. Douglas Ross’ explanation. “TPO [thyroid peroxidase] is one of the enzymes within the thyroid involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormone. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, when white blood cells called lymphocytes attack the thyroid gland and TPO is exposed to the blood stream, the immune system makes antibodies against TPO.” This process is called lymphocyte-mediated inflammation. This inflammation and the formation of antibodies occurs in 90-95% of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This same type of inflammation usually occurs in Graves’ disease as well. 60 to 75% of Graves’ patients may have these antibodies.
Anti-TPO is the most commonly ordered thyroid autoantibody test—one reason perhaps because it is inexpensive. I think (but I am not sure) it is an easy way when all other blood tests and symptoms point to Graves’ for doctors to confirm that your hyperthyroidism is autoimmune and therefore Graves’ disease.
I will end in saying that I hope the words here on this page help you to rest (if you can) more easily.
Ellen Brightly
Administrative Assistant
Graves’ Disease Foundation
Toll-free – (877) 643-3123
400 International Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
Email: Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com
Website: http://www.NGDF.org <http://www.ngdf.org/

[optimist]

#1063620

Thanks Ellen! I’ve since found another board where gravers chimed in and said that thyv’e had theirs into the thousands before.

[erica]

#1063621

Wow, the thousands, well that certainly makes me feel better! My other tests came out normal but my my antithyroglobulin is 531 range is (0-40) and my thyroidperoxidase is 103 range is (0-34). Not sure if this means it must be Hashimotos, I sure hope not. I have not had an uptake scan, but am going to ask my doctor about it this wed. I have looked on the internet and I really don’t like the sound of Hashimotos, at least with Graves there was medicine to take. I am confused as to why one can’t just take out their thyroid if they have Hashimotos , if there is no thyroid there wouldn’t be antibodies created to destroy it right? Do the high antibody levels make the yucky symptoms? On the internet it make it sounds like it is the hormones making the symptoms, but if one has normal hormone levels and lots of symptoms then can one say it is the antibodies making the symptoms? …it is confusing and frustrating. Any insight is appreciated.

[Kimberly]

#1063622

erica wrote: I am confused as to why one can’t just take out their thyroid if they have Hashimotos , if there is no thyroid there wouldn’t be antibodies created to destroy it right? Do the high antibody levels make the yucky symptoms?

Hello –There was actually a study done in Europe recently that showed that women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis often have symptoms that affect quality of life *despite* having “normal” thyroid hormone levels. The reason for this is not understood, but it’s certainly possible that high antibody levels can have an impact on symptoms. The researchers were actually surprised with this finding. It would be very interesting to see a similar study completed with Graves’ patients!

I know of one patient who has HT who did have his thyroid surgically removed to avoid the hypO/hypER swings. The other patients I’ve known with HT ended up hypO and are taking replacement hormone.

[Author]

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