Anti – TSHR | Antibodies against TSH receptors

The correct name for this indicator is TSH receptor antibodies. However, it is often mistakenly abbreviated as TSH receptor. Antibodies against thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors are important for the diagnosis of Grave's disease. The norm greatly depends on the methodology. Hyperthyroidism can occur due to many reasons, but the most common one is Grave's disease, or diffuse toxic goiter. In this disease, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins bind to the TSH receptor located in thyroid cells. This binding triggers a compensatory overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body. About 1% of the population suffers from Grave's disease, accounting for about 85% of all hyperthyroidism causes. Women are about 10 times more likely to be affected than men. The disease is usually diagnosed when signs of hyperthyroidism are identified. Typically, the thyroid gland enlarges, although this may not be present in about one-third of patients. Many patients exhibit exophthalmos and tachycardia due to adrenal stimulation. Each time Grave's disease is suspected, it is convenient to use the TSHr indicator. TSHr needs to be determined to assess the activity of the disease. It reflects the severity of the disease (usually coinciding with ophthalmological symptoms – diplopia, ptosis, exophthalmos). TSHr can be used to evaluate the response to treatment. However, in addition to TSHr, it is necessary to also rely on clinical presentation, changes in hyperthyroidism, and the background of antithyroid or steroid treatment. These factors can distort TSHr values. TSHr antibodies are found in 90% of patients with Grave's disease. In cases of hyperthyroidism or euthyroid form of Grave's disease, this indicator is an additional diagnostic test.