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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
antibodies
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
antibodies
by Alaska1, Jun 30, 2006 12:00AM
I recently had some lab tests done and just need some help in deciphering them.
My labs for ovarian function are as follows
FSH 4.9 3.4-33.4
TSH 2.69 .350-5.50
T3 35% 24-39
T4 5.9 4.5-12
LH 6.5 0-76
Prolactin 7.6 2.8-29.2
Estrodial 76 19-528
Estrogens 125 122-437
Also, had ANA titers done and it was 73
Antithyroglobulin antibodies at 58 norm 0-40
How high should ANA titers be before they become dangerous and work against the body? The lab says to 100 but others say 80 is not good? Also, does the body just keep producing antibodies and how fast? In another month, could the antibodies be up to 120?
Do these tests suggest hypothyroidism?
Could it be thyroid carcinoma with the antibodies at that level-58?
Should I get tests for liver antibodies as I read that hypothyroidism (those with autoimmune disease with the thyroid will also have a high incidence of autoimmune hepatitis? If so, what antibodies to the liver do I test for?
Also, I took Cipro and Flagyll for 10 days about 2 months ago and got very sick on them. If they caused my body to produce antibodies against my liver and thyroid, would the titers be higher by now or would it take many more months to elevate titers to very serious levels? Should I get a liver biopsy? Thanks you for your expertise!
My labs for ovarian function are as follows
FSH 4.9 3.4-33.4
TSH 2.69 .350-5.50
T3 35% 24-39
T4 5.9 4.5-12
LH 6.5 0-76
Prolactin 7.6 2.8-29.2
Estrodial 76 19-528
Estrogens 125 122-437
Also, had ANA titers done and it was 73
Antithyroglobulin antibodies at 58 norm 0-40
How high should ANA titers be before they become dangerous and work against the body? The lab says to 100 but others say 80 is not good? Also, does the body just keep producing antibodies and how fast? In another month, could the antibodies be up to 120?
Do these tests suggest hypothyroidism?
Could it be thyroid carcinoma with the antibodies at that level-58?
Should I get tests for liver antibodies as I read that hypothyroidism (those with autoimmune disease with the thyroid will also have a high incidence of autoimmune hepatitis? If so, what antibodies to the liver do I test for?
Also, I took Cipro and Flagyll for 10 days about 2 months ago and got very sick on them. If they caused my body to produce antibodies against my liver and thyroid, would the titers be higher by now or would it take many more months to elevate titers to very serious levels? Should I get a liver biopsy? Thanks you for your expertise!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 30, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 30, 2006 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) Typically the ANA titers are measured in ratios like 1:80, 1:160, 1:320 etc. They are most commonly associated with rheumatological disease like lupus. However, there is a small proportion of patients who have positive ANAs in the abscence of disease. Repeating the ANA tests can be considered.
2) A normal TSH would make hypothyroidism unlikely.
3) Imaging studies should be performed if thyroid cancer is suspected. An ultrasound would be a reasonable start.
4) If autoimmune hepatitis is suspected, the following antibodies should be tested for: anti-smooth muscle, and/or antiactin antibodies. A liver biopsy can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
1) Typically the ANA titers are measured in ratios like 1:80, 1:160, 1:320 etc. They are most commonly associated with rheumatological disease like lupus. However, there is a small proportion of patients who have positive ANAs in the abscence of disease. Repeating the ANA tests can be considered.
2) A normal TSH would make hypothyroidism unlikely.
3) Imaging studies should be performed if thyroid cancer is suspected. An ultrasound would be a reasonable start.
4) If autoimmune hepatitis is suspected, the following antibodies should be tested for: anti-smooth muscle, and/or antiactin antibodies. A liver biopsy can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I began thyroid treatment based on symptoms, strong family history and a climbing TSH (although it never went over 3.85). I was tested for thyroid antibodies 2 months later and diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (TPOab were 8 and Tgab were 398 both with ranges of <2).
What type of symptoms are you having? Do you have a goiter (enlarged thyroid)?
Kelly
I have an 11 year old son and I just took him to see a specialist. During the office visit after looking over test result for the last year he said that it looked like my son was borderline hypothyroidism but a few days later his office called with the new test result from that office visit. The nurse said that everyting is fine. My son symptoms are as follows: extremely tired & sleepy, dry skin, constipation, short stature, coarse hair, hoarseness, cold intolerance, memory and concentration trouble, severe forgotfulness, delayed tooth development,paper thin nails, headaches, and moody. My son was always so full of energy and never stopped. My son's tsh level have been going up over the last year and my son's fatigue has just gotten worse. I really don't know if i'm worrying too much but thyroid problems run in the family. I want to see my son healthy and happy again. He used to be so full of energy. I don't know what to do and no one wants to explain why the ths levels are going up. Please any suggestion would help. Should I think about having him test for antibodies?
Ths (1year ago) 2.3 (2 months) 3.2 (last week) 3.58
ft4 1.57(1 year ago) 1.25 (last week)
cortisol 18.2
igf-1 182