Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS) is a group of complex autoimmune diseases that affect multiple endocrine glands. There are three major types of APS, each of which affects different endocrine glands. They are:
Type 1 APS (APS-1):
APS-1, also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I, is the most common form of APS. It is characterized by the presence of autoimmune-mediated destruction of the endocrine glands, including the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and the parathyroid gland. It can also affect other organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
Type 2 APS (APS-2):
APS-2, also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II, is characterized by the presence of autoimmune-mediated destruction of the endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the pituitary gland. It can also affect other organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.
Type 3 APS (APS-3):
APS-3, also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type III, is characterized by the presence of autoimmune-mediated destruction of the endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the gonads. It can also affect other organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract.