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It is generally accepted that antibody to thyrotropin receptor (TRAb) with stimulatory activity is the major pathogenetic factor in Graves' disease. Despite that, determination of these autoantibodies is not a routine analysis in clinical practice. Aim of this paper is analyzing and presenting of some modalities in clinical protocol for diagnosis, differential diagnosis and follow-up of treatment in management of Graves' disease. By these examinations it is possible differentiation between autoimmune and other forms of thyrotoxicosis (autonomous hyperthyroidism, destructive thyroiditis, iodine induced hyperthyroidism etc). Under influence of antithyroid medicaments elevated TRAb decrease and become negative in real (immune) remission. If TRAb stay positive patients are candidates for relapse - prediction of therapeutic response. Follow-up of TRAb in pregnant women is important predictive sign for expected thyroid immune disease in newborn infants. In our opinion, confirmed by presented results, application of TRAb determination in many clinical situations is justified.

It is generaly accepted that antibody to thyrotropin receptor (TRAb) with stimulatory activity is the major pathogenetic factor in Graves' disease. Despite that, determination of these autoantibodies is not a routine analysis in clinical practice. Aim of this paper is analyzing and presenting of some modalities in clinical protocol for diagnosis, differential diagnosis and follow-up of treatment in management of Graves' disease. By these examinations it is possible differentiation between autoimmune and other forms of thyrotoxicosis (autonomous hyperthyroidism, destructive thyroiditis, iodine induced hyperthyroidism etc). Under influence of antithyroid medicaments elevated TRAb decrease and become negative in real (immune) remission. If TRAb stay positive patients are candidates for relapse - prediction of therapeutic response. Follow-up of TRAb in pregnant women is important predictive sign for expected thyroid immune disease in newborn infants. In our opinion, confirmed by presented results, application of TRAb determination in many clinical situations is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]