The Role of Indirect Immunofluorescence Methods in the Detection of Autoimmune Antibodies in Thyroid Disease

Aims: In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg Ab) and antipyroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO Ab) in thyroid disease and investigated the role of indirect immunofluorescence methods in its detection.

Study Design: The study was carried out on 87 patients with thyroid disorders.

Place and Duration of Study: The patients were recruited from the Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Surgery at Aleppo University Hospital. A group of 25 matched volunteers were included as a control group for the investigation. Data analyzed in this study was collected over the period from December 2005 to February 2006.

Methodology: Immunofluorescence methods were used to study the prevalence of antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti Tg Ab) and anti pyroxidase antibodies (anti TPO Ab) in patients with different thyroid diseases.

Results: We found that anti-Tg Ab was positive in 33% of patients with goiters, 40% of patients with hyperthyroidism, 73% of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and 25% of patients with nodules. Anti-Tg Ab was positive in only 4% of the control group. Similarly, anti-TPO Ab was positive in 37% of patients with goiters, 73% of patients with hyperthyroidism, 88% of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and 50% of patients with nodules. Anti-TPO Ab was found positive in 8% of the control group.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest anti-Tg Ab and anti-TPO Ab measurements are an important step in the evaluation and management of thyroid disorders. Anti-TPO Ab had the highest sensitivity in predicting thyroidal disorders. Immunofluorescence techniques, furthermore, were found to be a reliable method for the evaluation of these disorders.