The Characteristics of Patients with Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome in a Medical Center in Southern Taiwan

Abstract

Aim-To explore the characteristics of patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS) in a medical center in southern Taiwan. Methods-We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of patients with APS (n=19) who were at our institution from 1995 through 2006. Results-Autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and myasthenia gravis were observed in 100%, 79%, and 16% of cases, respectively. Primary adrenal insufficiency was not found. None of them had a family history of thyroid disease or diabetes. The most common disease combination was type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease (79%). Type 1 diabetes was the first manifestation of APS in 37% of patients, but the coexistence of two or more components was observed in 42% of patients. The time interval between the first and the secondary manifestations of APS varied widely. When type 1 diabetes was the first manifestation, a body weight change with stable glycemic control might predict the development of autoimmune thyroid disease. Conclusion-Patients with any component of APS warrant screening for other components.