Pediatric autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (au·​to·​im·​mune poly·​en·​do·​crine syn·​drome), also known as polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PGAS), is a rare disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and endocrine glands. 

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What is pediatric autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome?

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome is a term used to describe when a child has at least two of these three specific autoimmune disorders.

These may develop over time during childhood: 

  • Addison’s disease - A condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the hormones cortisol (regulates metabolism) and aldosterone (regulates blood pressure).  
  • Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) - A fungal infection of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. 
  • Hypoparathyroidism - A condition in which the parathyroid glands do not make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. 

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome?

Symptoms of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome depend on which glands are affected and which types of autoimmune disorders the child develops.

Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

Symptoms of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) include:

Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include:

  • Brittle nails
  • Extremely dry skin
  • Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
  • Hair loss
  • Leg cramps
  • Muscle aches
  • Muscle spasms around the mouth, throat, arms and hands
  • Tingling in fingertips, toes and lips

What are the causes of pediatric autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome?

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that happens when both parents carry a mutated autoimmune regulator gene, called the AIRE gene, and pass it on to their child.