The significance of thyroid autoantibodies determination in subclinical hyperthyroidism

Objective To study the significance of thyroid autoantibodies determination in subclinical hyperthyroidism. Methods Antibody to thyroglobulin (TGAb) and antibody to thyroid-peroxidase (TPOAb) were measured in 86 cases of subclinical hyperthyroidism by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA), control group was composed of 51 healthy people. Results The levels of TGAb and TPOAb of patient group were higher than that of control group, the positive rates of TGAb and TPOb were higher too. After follow-up for 1-1.5 year, higher hyperthyroidism incidence (11%) and higher hypothyroidism incidence(23%) were found respectively in 73 cases. Conclusions It is important to measure thyroid auto-antibodies for the treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism.