TRAb antibodies are antibodies against the TSH receptor in the thyroid gland. TRAb measurement is performed primarily when Graves' disease is suspected. The test should also be performed in pregnant women with a history or current autoimmune thyroid disease. What are the other indications for the TRAb antibody test? What are the standards? How to interpret the results?

TRAb antibodiesare antibodies against the TSH receptor (thyrotropin) - a hormone that regulates the functions of the thyroid gland, stimulates the production and secretion of the basic thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Antibodies against the TSH receptor (TRAb) have different effects - some are similar to TSH and stimulate the receptor for TSH, making the thyroid hyperthyroidism, while others are anti-TSH, leading to receptor blockade and hypothyroidism.

TRAb antibodies - indications for the test

The determination of the level of TRAb antibodies in the blood is performed when autoimmune thyroid diseases are suspected, especially Graves' disease. TRAb antibodies are also characteristic of a variant of Hashimoto's disease (atrophic AIT), in which blocking the receptor leads to an underactive gland. Testing for TRAb antibodies also helps to distinguish Graves' disease from iatrogenic hyperthyroidism or other hyperthyroid conditions such as subacute or postpartum thyroiditis and hyperactive nodular goitre.

TRAb antibodies and pregnancy

If a pregnant woman has a history of, or is currently struggling with, an autoimmune thyroid disease, there is a risk of developing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in the fetus and newborn. This is because anti-thyroid antibodies can cross the placenta. Testing for TRAb antibodies can help assess the likelihood of these thyroid conditions in the offspring. The mother's blood is tested in early pregnancy and in the third trimester.

TRAb antibodies - what is the test?

The test consists in taking blood and sending it to the laboratory.

Important

TRAb antibodies - standards

Values ​​lower than 1IU / l are adopted as the norm. It should be noted, however, that these values ​​depend on many factorssuch as age, sex or assay method, and the results presented as numerical values ​​may have different meanings in different laboratories. Therefore, the final interpretation always belongs to the doctor.

TRAb antibodies - study results. Interpretation

Increased levels of TRAb antibodies occur in almost all patients with Graves' disease. If high TRAb levels are detected after cessation of Graves disease treatment, this suggests a rapid relapse.

High levels of TRAb antibodies in a woman in early pregnancy and in the third trimester puts her baby at risk of thyroid gland dysfunction. In this case, the tests are also performed on the newborn - immediately after delivery (umbilical cord blood test) and in the 4th-7th stage. day of life.

Category:

Pregnant examinations