Anti-TPO Antibodies
Overview
- Antithyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies are directed against thyroperoxidase, an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone production.
Significance
- Antithyroperoxidase enzymes are present in 90-100% of patients with chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis, though are also present in other thyroid diseases.
- Antithyroperoxidase antibodies are not usually required in the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism as almost all cases are due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- This test is useful for predicting the risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
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