antibodies

[mlb1234]

My thyroid test results are as follows:
8/2005  TSH = 3.17  (ref range 0-5)
10/2006 TSH = 2.5   (0-5)
2/2007  TPO AB = 40 IU/mL  (0-34)
2/2007  Antithroglobilin AB = 43 IU/mL  (0-40)
I am 37y, have a history of 2 miscarriages.  I am wondering what your professional  opinion is on my antibody levels and whether or not treatment is warranted prior to and during pregnancy(and afterwards?).  Any information you can provide is appreciated.  I am also curious if the antibody test is quantitative (i.e. meaning that a value of 100 IU/mL would be more positive and hence worse off than a value of 50 per say, or is a positive a positive no matter what the level).  Thanks.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Difficult queston.  There is a link between miscarriages and positive antibodies, but no consensus on treating AB+ patients with normal thyroid function.  I tend to offer a low-dose trial of synthroid and keep the TSH around 1.0.  There is an article from 2006 suggesting that this strategy decreases the miscarriage rate.  Lower levels of antibodies may mean lower immune system attack while higher may mean a more aggressive attack - but it's more important to be 'high' vs 'normal' than the degree of elevation once it's 'positive' (high).

[mlb1234]

Not that this would influence your answer but I forogt to mention that I have PCOS.

[casablancas]

I also had a miscarriage and am positive for antibodies, don't know my levels though, I am hypothyroid and on 200mcg thyroxine daily. When you get pregnant again let me know how you get on, I am really paranoid that my thyroid is the cause of my miscarriage but surely not all women who have a thyroid problem(and antibodies) have miscarriages, so only time will tell..
good luck with your future pregnancy.

[Kirsten8]

Hi, I also have high anti-tpo (1600++) but normal thyroid tests. My doctor asked me to take euthyrox 25mg a day but i recently stopped due to heavy heart beat. I'm very concerned w/ my high level of anti-tpo. Can this be the reason why I'm having difficulty to conceive? Ob-gyns in my country have no knowledge about this. Can this be treated by IVIG (intravenous immunoglobin)?

[Kirsten8]

Hi, I have normal thyroid tests but high anti-tpo (1600++). Can this be the reason  why it's difficult for me to conceive? Can this be treated by IVIG (intravenous immunoglobin)?