One of the most important organs is the thyroid gland. It regulates many vital processes. In addition, the work of all organs directly depends on the degree of functioning of the thyroid gland. In order to timely identify pathological conditions, an analysis is prescribed for antibodies to thyroglobulin. Based on the results of a laboratory study, the doctor can evaluate the thyroid gland and draw up the most effective treatment regimen when any disease is detected.
Thyroglobulin: concept
The thyroid gland continuously produces hormones. The main ones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Their formation occurs from a protein compound - thyroglobulin. Thus, this substance is a kind of "progenitor" of hormones.
The protective system of the body when pathogenic microorganisms enter it starts the process of antibody production. These are substances whose task is to destroy all kinds of infectious agents.
Under the influence of any provoking factors, the immune system is disrupted. As a result, she perceives her own cells as foreign and begins to attack them. In such situations, it is customary to talk about the development of an autoimmune pathology.
Thus, elevated antibodies to thyroglobulin are the basis for a comprehensive examination of the thyroid gland in order to identify the causes of this condition.
Norm indicators
Different units of measurement may be used in laboratories. As a rule, the indicator is expressed in IU / ml. In this case, a value of 4 is normal. It is relevant for both adults and children. In this case, the amount of thyroglobulin itself in the fluid connective tissue should vary between 1.5-59 ng / ml.
If a person has undergone thyroid removal in the past, the concentration of antibodies to thyroglobulin should also not exceed 4 IU / ml.
The indicator sometimes varies slightly. This means that antibodies to thyroglobulin decrease or increase depending on the course of certain physiological processes. For example, its deviation upwards occurs in women during the menstrual cycle. It is customary to talk about pathology only if the indicators are many times higher than the norm.
The ideal option is when a person does not detect antibodies to thyroglobulin at all. This indicates that the thyroid gland is completely healthy.
Causes of deviation from the norm in a big way
If elevated antibodies to thyroglobulin are detected in a blood test, this means that a pathological process is developing in the body. Which one, it is possible to find out only in the process of passing a comprehensive diagnosis.
The main reasons for the increase in the concentration of antibodies to thyroglobulin are:
- inflammation of the thyroid gland both acute and chronic in nature;
- primary hypothyroidism;
- neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature;
- sickle cell anemia;
- various kinds of neck injuries;
- pathologies of a genetic nature (including Down syndrome);
- toxic diffuse goiter;
- autoimmune diseases of organs, the work of which directly depends on the degree of functioning of the thyroid gland.
In addition, antibodies to thyroglobulin are often elevated after a recent biopsy. An increase in their concentration is a peculiar response of the thyroid gland to the intervention.
Clinical manifestations
If antibodies to thyroglobulin are elevated, this means that some pathological process develops in the body. But it does not always occur with severe clinical manifestations.
In some cases, patients may be disturbed by the following symptoms:
- general feeling of weakness;
- apathy;
- lethargy;
- increased degree of irritability;
- tearfulness;
- an increase in neck size;
- sharp jumps in body weight;
- eyeballs;
- rashes on the skin, localized, as a rule, on the face;
- drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia;
- dry skin;
- memory impairment;
- the appearance of pain during palpation of the neck.
The presence of any of the above symptoms indicates a malfunction of the thyroid gland and is a reason for further examination.
Factors Affecting Result
If the blood contains an increased content of antibodies to thyroglobulin, do not immediately panic. It is important to exclude all factors that influence their concentration.
Deviation of the indicator from the norm to a greater extent occurs against the background of taking combined oral contraceptives and other hormonal drugs. The doctor must be informed in advance regarding the use of such medications. At the same time, it is unacceptable to independently cancel the reception. The doctor will advise you to do this only if necessary.
It is forbidden to neglect the rules of preparation. Ignoring them also leads to false results. It is important to remember that biological material is given on an empty stomach, it is only allowed to drink clean still water. No need to overeat the day before. Also, for 48 hours, it is necessary to abandon the use of alcohol-containing drinks. It is forbidden to smoke immediately before blood donation.
The level of antibodies is also affected by the psychoemotional state of a person. At the time of biomaterial collection it is important to be as calm as possible.
Treatment
It must be remembered that elevated antibodies to thyroglobulin are not a disease. This is just a symptom of a pathological condition. It is proved that against the background of hormonal therapy, a decrease in concentration does not occur.
The indicator will decline to normal in an independent way only after the underlying disease has been successfully cured. The treatment regimen directly depends on the pathology, age of the patient, as well as on the characteristics of his health. In most cases, taking medications is enough to achieve positive dynamics. In severe situations, the only correct treatment is surgery.
Finally
The term "thyroglobulin" refers to a protein compound from which thyroid hormones are subsequently formed. In the presence of a large number of antibodies to it, it is customary to talk about the development of autoimmune diseases. A slight deviation of the indicator from the norm may be a consequence of the course of natural physiological processes. In some cases, non-compliance with the rules of preparation for the study can lead to false results. To identify pathology, a comprehensive examination is prescribed. Only on the basis of the diagnostic results, the doctor can draw up a treatment plan.