AMA tests

[237SJ]

When I had a comprehensive thyroid test done (in India) they tested my antimitochondrial antibodies as well. Why would they do that? Can they detect hepatitis with an AMA test?

[Buenchico]

I don't pretend to understand most of what's on this (internal) NHS webpage but I do see that "Suspected liver disease" is given as an indication for testing:
http://www.momentum.n...gy/Immunology/AMA.htm

Chris

(Where's Sqad when we need him?)

[237SJ]

LOL Buenchico - I only went along for a test because I thought I had an underactive thyroid. I don`t think the doctor was thinking about my liver (I hope not anyway) I know AMA tests can indicate cirrhosis but I wondered if they can detect hepatitis as well and it might just be a routine test they do in Indian hospitals to keep on top of it.

[Buenchico]

That link also mentions "investigation of unexplained pruritus", and pruritus means nothing more than itching. Perhaps you were scratching a bit when you arrived at the clinic?
;-)

[237SJ]

Isn`t pruitus something to do with bile going into the bloodsteam and is the itching that alcoholics get? The only itching I got when I was in Delhi was from insect bites :)

[Sqad]

The AMA test in your case has nothing to do with liver disease whatsoever and is an adjunct to your thyroid investigation.

The majority of thyroid disorders are autoimmune which means that your immune system is at odds with your thyroid gland and it'e products and is objecting to their presence.

If the TSH,T3 and TN are diagnostic, then no problems, but if they are marginal then the AMA levels will swing the diagnosis either way to a diagnosis of overactive OR underactive thyroid.

AMA in itself is a pretty useless test, but in conjunction with other tests can be diagnostic.

I stand to be corrected but in the UK the AMA is not routinely used for the investigation of thyroid disorders.

[Sqad]

3rd paragraph should read T4 .....not TN

[Sqad]

Chris

<<<<(Where's Sqad when we need him?)
21:34 Thu 02nd Jun 2011Rep
>>>>

In bloody bed..;-)

[237SJ]

Thanks sqad. I had no idea it had anything to do with thyroid tests. When I googled it only mentioned cirrhosis. I`m so glad Buenchico didn`t drag you from your bed. We might have been interrupting your...er...sleep :-)

[Sqad]

237SJ....;-)

[Viky12051974]

I know it's an old question, but my answer can help those who search about this.

Generally, the Antimitochondrial Antibodies Test (AMA) is used to detect primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), an autoimmune condition that involves scarring of the tube system which drains bile away from the liver. This test is also used to investigate other forms of autoimmune disease or liver damage, such as autoimmune hepatitis. So yes, this test can be used for this reason.

I hope I was helpful! :)

Reference: http://medsipo.com/details/ama