antibodies

[l-brown]

  my first question is about the achr binding ab -- i know that any test above .02 is considered positive.  what is considered a boarderline test and what range is a high test? and will the removal of the thymus gland help with the achr binding antibodies? [or is the thymus removal only helpful with high achr modulating antibodies? or with straited muscle ab?]
  my second question is about somatomedin-c -- i found information on the internet that when this hormone is low that it can cause the thymus to create antibodies. was that information helpful with treatment of mg when you also have somatomedin-c def.[ the tsh and thyroxine free level are low but in normal ranges]
  is there anyway for find both a neuro/endo or some one with knowledge in both areas?
  thank you for your assistance.
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Let me see if I can clear up a couple of points for you. Depending on the lab you have your testing done the limits for various AB will vary so you need to get those numbers from your lab. Antistriatal antibodies are present in 2/3rds of patients with MG. In patients with documented MG and thymoma 90% have elevated antistriatal AB. Therefore if you are antistriatal AB negative then it is very unlikely that you have a thymoma. Our general recommendation is to do a thymectomy on patients with documented MG under the age of 50 yrs. If over 50 and you can document a thymoma they should also have surgery. Thymectomy is done to try to put the patient into remission or at least decrease their symptoms by decreasing the AB circulating. As far as I know somatomedin C has not been used clinically to treat MG. To get information on doctors treating MG you could contact the MG association. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your docotor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.