Polyendocrine deficiency syndrome

Overview
The polyendocrine deficiency syndrome is classified into two separate forms, referred to as type I and type II.

Type I occurs in children, and adrenal insufficiency may be accompanied by:


 * underactive parathyroid glands
 * slow sexual development
 * pernicious anemia
 * chronic candida infections
 * chronic active hepatitis
 * hair loss (in very rare cases)

Type II, often called Schmidt's syndrome, usually afflicts young adults. Features of type II may include:


 * an underactive thyroid gland
 * slow sexual development
 * diabetes mellitus
 * vitiligo
 * loss of pigment on areas of the skin

Scientists think that the polyendocrine deficiency syndrome is inherited because frequently more than one family member tends to have one or more endocrine deficiencies.