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Serum thyroglobulin--its measurement and clinical use
R Wilson1, J H McKillop, C Jenkins
1University Department of Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Immunoradiometric assays (IRMA) accurately measure serum thyroglobulin in patients with antithyroglobulin antibodies. However, thyroglobulin levels are poor predictors of relapse or remission in Graves' disease patients treated with antithyroid drugs.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Radioimmunoassays (RIA) show unreliability in measuring serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in patients with antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb).
- Accurate Tg measurement is crucial for monitoring thyroid conditions and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of two immunoradiometric assays (IRMA) against a conventional RIA for serum Tg measurement.
- To evaluate the prognostic value of serum Tg levels for predicting relapse or remission in Graves' disease patients undergoing antithyroid drug therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of a commercial IRMA, an in-house IRMA, and a conventional RIA for serum Tg quantification.
- Analysis of serum Tg levels in patients with Graves' disease before and after a 12-month course of antithyroid drugs.
Main Results:
- Both IRMA methods demonstrated reliability and were unaffected by the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies.
- Serum Tg levels were found to be poor predictors of relapse or remission in patients treated for Graves' disease.
Conclusions:
- IRMA is a superior method for serum Tg measurement in patients with TgAb.
- Serum Tg levels lack prognostic value for predicting outcomes in Graves' disease patients treated with antithyroid drugs.