SAT-333 Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 (APS-1) is clinically defined as the presence of at least two components of the classic triad of hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and mucocutaneous candidiasis. It is commonly seen amongst Finns, Sardinians and Iranian Jews and is a very rare condition, with a challenging set of management. 50-year old female with a known past medical history of Bipolar disorder, Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, Hypothyroidism, Alopecia was transferred from an acute psychiatric facility for medical clearance. Patient was noted to have findings initially suggestive of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on a CT scan of the Head which was later deemed to be likely dystrophic calcification. During her stay on the medical floors, patient was found to be unresponsive and hypotensive, after a bout of agitation. She had to be urgently intubated and started on stress doses of steroids (Hydrocortisone 100 mg every 8 hours) and was upgraded to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Patient was eventually successfully weaned off the ventilator and steroid doses were slowly tapered. During her hospital course she was noted to have gradually decreasing Calcium levels, down to a corrected Calcium level of 7.6. Further workup for the hypocalcemia revealed a Vitamin D Level of 12, and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) level of 0. Patient was subsequently started on adequate Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation for the same. After a few days when the family was located and contacted through social work support, and a more thorough history was obtained, it was found that one out of the patient’s three sisters had a similar constellation of deficiencies. Patient had previously been diagnosed with a polyendocrine syndrome, however she was irregular with her medication compliance and follow-up outpatient with her endocrinologist due to her persistent psychiatric issues and poor social support. APS-1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in AIRE, the autoimmune regulator gene which is hypothesized to be playing an important role in the generation of regulatory T cells. Although the complete pathogenesis is unclear, mutation in generation of these regulatory cells leads to autoantibody formation. Hypoparathyroidism or Chronic persistent Mucocutaneous Candidiasis is usually the first manifestation seen during adolescence and adrenal insufficiency usually manifests later. A variation of other autoimmune syndromes can be observed, with Hypothyroidism, Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus and Primary Hypogonadism being a few of them. Treatment primarily involves replenishment of the hormones of the underperforming gland. Management of a complex syndrome like APS-1 in a patient with psychiatric disabilities can be challenging and needs a multi-disciplinary approach involving the endocrinologist, the primary care physician and the psychiatrist.