[Momof5]

#1059875

I thought my endo did the TRAb testing (this is what she told me), but now I think she only did TPOAb and TSI. On my lab sheet it says Thyroid Peroxide Antibodies, which I looked up to be the TPOAb, not TRAb. Are they different? Does the TPOAb help me in any way? I tjought I was fairly savvy, but I guess I have more to learn.

[Stymie]

#1178422

I think they mean the same thing.

But hopefully we can confirmation from someone who is more knowledgeable

[Kimberly]

#1178423

Hello – TRAb (Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody) testing picks up both blocking and stimulating antibodies that are specific to Graves’.

Some docs use TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) instead of TRAb, as that test measures *only* the antibodies that cause stimulation.

TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) are directed against TPO, an enzyme that is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. The presence of TPOab is considered a marker for autoimmune thyroid disease, but is not specifically diagnostic for Graves’ disease. TRAb and TSI are both specific to Graves’.

Hope this helps!

[Stymie]

#1178424

Thanks Kimberly

[Momof5]

#1178425

Thanks. That’s what I thought. She didn’t run the TRAb….we even have it in our notes that she said TRAb is what she follows.

[Naisly]

#1178426

TPO is a marker for Hashimoto’s these are usually very high results tho 2000+. A lot of GD patients have some TPO which is an indication of inflammation of the thyroid.

[Momof5]

#1178427

Mine was high, but not that high. I’m going to ask my endo on Monday as I have another set of labs to do.

Thanks for the replies.

[Harpy]

#1178428

With the TRAB’s there are three different types, stimulating, neutral and blocking.
Not quite sure what the deal is with the neutral guys is, but the stimulating and blocking ones seem to be the bigger issues with GD and other thyroid disease.

Although it is good to know the degree of stimulation by antibodies, the TSI, it is also important to know what total TRAB activity is, some individuals may normalise with the TSI, but then drift into Hypo land because of blocking AB activity, so even with a return of TSH, Thyroid hormone levels fall because the thyroid is being blocked.

This effect may be one of the reasons there has been some good success in the past with Block and Replace, because it effectively removes either situation by supressing the thyroid fully and using replacement hormone to control levels. The primary issue with B & R is the use of higher dose ATD’s.

Point is it’s good to know total TRAB activity as well as TSI if you can get that degree of service.

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