Thyreperoxidase is an enzyme produced by thyroid cells involved in the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones and serves to form an active form of iodine in the body. Antibodies to thyroid hyperoxidase (antibodies to microsomal thyreperoxidase) are autoantibodies to this enzyme, which are formed when the immune system incorrectly perceives thyroid cells as a foreign substance.
Analysis for antibodies to thyroid peroxidase
Carrying out the analysis for antibodies to thyroid peroxidase allows to reveal various dysfunctions of the thyroid gland. The appearance of these substances in the blood leads to a decrease in the production of hormones and the destruction of thyroid cells, which causes certain pathologies. Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase can be detected in a small amount in healthy people (up to 20% among women). The value of the norm of the content of antibodies to thyreperoxidase in the blood depends on the test technique used, which is characterized by the established values of sensitivity and limits of normal indices.
The reasons for increasing the level of antibodies to thyreperoxidase:
- A slight excess of the norm may be associated with many pathologies of the thyroid gland, as well as various autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic autoimmune vasculitis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid cancer, etc.).
- If antibodies to thyreperoxidase are significantly increased, it often indicates an autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter).
- The increased value of the antibodies to thyreperoxidase in a woman during pregnancy can indicate a hyperthyroidism in a future child.
- When determining the level of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase during the treatment period, to evaluate its effectiveness, elevated values indicate an exacerbation of the existing disease or an insufficient effectiveness of therapy (if, on the contrary, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase are lowered, this indicates the success of treatment).
Symptoms with an elevated level of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase
If the indicator of the amount of antibodies to thyreperoxidase in the blood is increased, then the presence of such symptoms is possible:
- fragility and hair loss ;
- dry skin;
- swelling;
- hearing loss;
- change of voice;
- increased sweating;
- cardiopalmus;
- sleep disorders, etc.
The consequences of increasing antibodies to thyroid peroxidase
Elevated levels of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase - a signal about immunological failure in the body. As a consequence, the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, digestive systems can be affected. Women can also suffer reproductive system, namely, exceeding the norm of the content of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase is a risk factor for the development of spontaneous abortion.
Treatment with an increased level of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase
If the level of antibodies to thyreperoxidase is increased significantly, additional tests are prescribed before treatment:
- level of thyroid-stimulating hormone ;
- thyroxine level;
- level of triiodothyronine;
- the level of free thyroid hormones.
Also it is required to conduct ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Based on the results obtained, an accurate diagnosis and the appointment of a treatment course are possible. As a rule, drug treatment is recommended. In the future, continuous monitoring and analysis will be required to change the amount of hormones and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase.