Diagnostic significance of thyroid microsomal antibodies in randomly selected population

A longitudinal study among the population of Busselton, Western Australia, has identified individuals with persistent and transient thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMA). 59 (72%) of 82 subjects with persistent TMA, 18 (72%) of 25 with recently developed TMA, and 12 (23%) of 53 with transient antibody were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism, as indicated by high serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations. This study reveals the high specificity, sensitivity, and predictive value of persistent or recently required TMA.