Thyroglobulin levels & TgAB

[Curious123]

Hi all, I was wondering if there is a link between thyroglobulin levels and TgAB? I went hyperthyroid in Jul20 but no official cause was found and I was told. Was a mild thyroiditis. My thyroid levels have since returned to within range on their own.

At the time my TgAB went high, 115 (0-115) first test then 235 (0-115) after the thyroid was coming back into range. TRAB and TPO were negative. I have had my TgAB retested in Australia and it was 56 (<60) so barely back in range.

I keep getting a cough driven at the base of my throat rather than my chest (not covid, before anyone asks 🙂). I had TSI antibodies tested (apparently they are replacing TrAB) and they are in range for now 0.22 (<0.55). Thinking of asking for another ultrasound of my thyroid as my throat doesn’t feel right and the cough is getting annoying.

Wondered if there is any benefit to testing thyroglobulin levels if my antibodies to thyroglobulin have tested positively historically.

TIA!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Im not sure a thyroglobulin test will inform you much about your health? Thyroglobulin is a protein produced and used only by the thyroid gland it isn’t often tested as measurements are considered unreliable. If cancer is suspected Doctors sometimes use a series of test, before and after treatment in order compare the effectiveness of treatment.

Ordinarily, a healthy immune system would not attack the thyroglobulin, once a positive result is found it’s evidence of a autoimmune condition. The levels fluctuate & not everyone has elevated antibodies at all, however it’s useful for diagnosis. It’s not really known how to manage them which is why doctors don’t always test them.

I had TSI antibodies tested (apparently they are replacing TrAB).

Do you mean testing wise?

[Curious123 in reply to PurpleNails]

Yes, lab I ordered from notes TSI was replacing TrAB

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Curious123]

TrAb & TSI are unique to Graves, has either result been over range?

TgAb & TPO are present in both autoimmune conditions, (Graves & Hashi) highest elevations in Hashi.

[Curious123 in reply to PurpleNails]

Only TgAB has been over range. My Dad has Graves though and I have Pernicious Anaemia. Ultrasound went from smooth in Apr19 to nodular (small, no unique large ones apart from one potential) Aug20. So was curious what Thyroglobulin itself may show.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Curious123]

I wouldn’t be seeking a thyroglobulin test, Im not sure it would give you any useful information.

Was the nodule you had scanned considered potentially concerning? I have a (benign) solitary 5cm nodule and was given a FNA during first appointment but I’ve never had a thyroglobulin test.

The levels of antibodies doesn’t correlate to the severity of the disease. Repeating antibodies might not be necessary but regular testing of TSH, FT4 & FT3 might be a good idea given you previously had hyper trending levels, family history, other autoimmune conditions.

How often do you plan to test?