Autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPOAb) in a large population of euthyroid subjects: implications for the definition of TPOAb reference intervals.

Abstract

The results demonstrate for the first time that TPOAb are detectable in nearly all euthyroid individuals and that TPOAb values in the low measurable range are normally distributed. The distribution of TPOAb values in the low range is independent of age and sex. Based on these data, reference intervals for TPOAb can be defined that are independent of the population investigated. The clinical significance of slightly elevated TPOAb, however, has still to be defined by prospective studies.