Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS)

A combination of endocrine and nonendocrine autoimmune diseases causing increased thyroid secretion and thyroid gland enlargement. 

Symptoms vary according to the type:

• APS I: oral thrush, diaper rash, cramping, spasms, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
• APS II: frequent urination, extreme thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, itching of the skin, changes in vision, low blood pressure, severe dehydration, enlarged thyroid gland in the neck, dull facial expression, puffiness and swelling around the eyes, and drooping eyelids.
• APS III: puffy face, fatigue, enlarged thyroid gland in neck, puffiness and swelling around the eyes, drooping eyelids, weakness, extreme hunger, blurry vision, weight loss, shortness of breath, pins and needles sensations, patchy loss of skin color, and hair loss.

Type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, vitiligo, alopecia areata, hypogonadism, autoimmune liver disease, and pernicious anemia.

Genetic factors have been associated with all three APS. Females have also been found to be more affected in APS II and APS III.

• Type 3 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS-3) or type 3 multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS-3): an expanding galaxy (2023)
• Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 and recurrent depression (2023)
• Oral manifestations of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (2022)
• Secondary membranous nephropathy associated to autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type II (2023)