Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED)Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED) Overview
Learn About Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED)
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is an inherited condition that affects many of the body's organs. It is one of many autoimmune diseases, which are disorders that occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues and organs by mistake.
Mutations in the AIRE gene cause APECED. The AIRE gene provides instructions for making a protein called the autoimmune regulator. As its name suggests, this protein plays a critical role in regulating certain aspects of immune system function. Specifically, it helps the body distinguish its own proteins and cells from those of foreign invaders (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses). This distinction is critical because to remain healthy, a person's immune system must be able to identify and destroy potentially harmful invaders while sparing the body's normal tissues.
APECED occurs in about 1 in 90,000 to 200,000 people in most populations studied, which have been mainly in Europe. This condition occurs more frequently in certain populations, affecting about 1 in 9,000 to 25,000 people among Iranian Jews, Sardinians, and Finns.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Saila Laakso practices practicing medicine in Helsinki, Finland. Ms. Laakso is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED). She is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED), Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2, Pyle Disease, and Adrenal Insufficiency Pediatric.
Kai Kisand practices practicing medicine in Tartu, Estonia. Kisand is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED). They are also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED), Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2, Pyle Disease, and Cerebral Hypoxia.
Outi Makitie practices practicing medicine in Stockholm, Sweden. Makitie is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED). They are also highly rated in 49 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia, Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2, Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED), Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Background: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1), is a disease that causes the immune system to attack parts of a person s body. In some people, APECED attacks the small intestine; this causes an illness called enteritis.
Background: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a problem of the immune system. In people with APECED, the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body. Some people with APECED have a type of hair loss called alopecia areata (AA). No drugs are approved to treat AA.
Published Date: May 01, 2020
Published By: National Institutes of Health