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Circulating TSH-binding inhibiting immunoglobulins in myasthenia gravis
Acta Endocrinologica
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Thyroid function and TSH-binding inhibiting immunoglobulins (TBII) were assessed in 46 myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Most MG patients were euthyroid, with limited TBII activity found, suggesting minimal thyroid autoimmunity in this cohort.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
- Thyroid dysfunction, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, can coexist with MG.
- TSH-binding inhibiting immunoglobulins (TBII) are markers of Graves' disease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid function and the prevalence of TBII in patients with myasthenia gravis.
- To correlate thyroid status with the presence of TBII in MG patients.
Main Methods:
- Radioligand receptor assay for TBII detection in 46 MG patients' sera.
- Radioimmunoassays for thyroid hormones (T3, T4), TBG, and TSH.
- TRH stimulation test to evaluate pituitary-thyroid axis function.
- Haemagglutination assays for antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies.
Main Results:
- Two MG patients had concomitant Graves' disease (GD); one showed strongly positive TBII.
- Five MG patients were euthyroid with autonomously functioning thyroid tissue.
- Thirty-nine MG patients were euthyroid with a normal pituitary-thyroid axis.
- Three euthyroid MG patients exhibited borderline-positive TBII activity.
Conclusions:
- The study found a low prevalence of significant TBII activity in myasthenia gravis patients.
- Thyroid autoimmunity markers were not highly prevalent in this cohort of MG patients.
- Coexistence of Graves' disease in MG patients warrants careful thyroid assessment.