Dubiously increased FT4 and FT3 levels in clinically euthyroid patients: clinical finding or analytical pitfall?

Objectives: We systematically investigated normally or subclinically increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values associated with unexpectedly increased thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in findings of patients without any thyroid disease. Moreover, we looked for alternatives to overcome such states with an improved diagnostic procedure and to investigate the pathogenetic background of the respective patients.

Methods: Samples with TSH concentrations within the range of 0.4-10 mU/L combined with increased concentrations of FT4 (n=120; Cobas, Roche) were collected over a period of around six years. Cobas FT4 results were compared with measurements from Liaison (DiaSorin) and Architect (Abbott) FT4 assays. For further validation all samples were measured for total thyroxine (TT4) (Cobas, Roche). Finally, FT3 and TT3 as complementary parameters were measured in samples with leftover material. To overcome potential analytical disturbances from stimulating heterophilic antibodies, we used heterophilic blocking tubes (HBTs).

Results: From the 120 samples with increased FT4 concentrations by Cobas, 51/120 were also increased by Liaison, and 26/120 by Architect. However, the measurement of TT4 indicated only n=10/120 increased values. The number of increased FT3 (n=71) measurements was higher in Architect>Cobas>Liaison (28>27>9). TT3 levels of 70/71 samples were within the reference interval. HBTs were inappropriate to reduce unspecific immunoreactivity in our samples. No clear pathogenetic background could be elucidated in the anamnesis of individual patients.

Conclusions: To overcome dubious constellations of TSH, FT4, and FT3, it is helpful to measure TT4 and TT3 for control or to use an immunoassay with an alternative assay design for the respective parameters.