APECED Syndrome
APECED Syndrome is a very rare
genetic syndrome involving the autoimmune system. It is a combination of several
distinct disorders and is defined as the subnormal functioning of several
endocrine glands at the same time (concurrently). The acronym APECED stands for
Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy (APE), Candidiasis (C) and Ectodermal Dysplasia
(ED). Autoimmune disease affecting one gland is frequently followed by the
impairment of other glands. In this syndrome two major patterns of failure have
been described.
Type I affects children and adults younger than age 35. It is characterized by
below normal secretion of the parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism--79%) and
the failure of the adrenal cortex to secrete normal volumes of hormones (72%).
About 60% of women and about 15% of men fail to mature sexually (hypogonadism).
A persistent fungal infection (muco cutaneous candidiasis) is common and
chronic.
Type II more frequently strikes adults with peak incidence at about 30 years.
Almost invariably it involves the adrenal cortex with thyroid involvement
somewhat less frequent. It may also involve the pancreatic islets producing an
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
The below normal secretion of the parathyroid glands leads to anorexia, tetany, seizures and death if not corrected.
|
Remedy |
Characteristics Symptoms |
Patient Worse by |
Patient Better by |
| Solanum Nigrum | Tetanic spasms and stiffness of whole body, with
mania. Chronic intestinal toxæmia. Restlessness of a violent and convulsive nature Formication with contraction of extremities |
||
| Aconitum | A state of fear, anxiety; anguish of mind and body Physical and mental restlessness, fright Acute, sudden, and violent invasion, with fever, Does not want to be touched Sudden and great sinking of strength Complaints and tension caused by exposure to dry, cold weather, draught of cold air, checked perspiration, also complaints from very hot weather Serous membranes and muscular tissues affected markedly Burning in internal parts; tingling, coldness and numbness Tension of arteries; emotional and physical mental tension explain many symptoms Only functional disturbance, Shows no periodicity Thirst for cold water Bitter taste of everything except water Intense thirst; drinks, vomits, and declares he will die Frequent erections and emissions Menses too profuse, with nosebleed, too protracted, late Frenzy on appearance of menses Nightmare Nightly ravings Anxious dreams Sleeplessness, with restless and tossing about Starts up in sleep Long dreams, with anxiety in chest Skin red, hot, swollen, dry, burning Rash like measles Formication and numbness Chilliness and formication down back Pruritis relieved by stimulants |
In warm room In evening and night Lying on affected side From music From tobacco-smoke Dry, cold winds |
In open air |
| Cocculus Indicus | Many spasmodic and paretic affections, notably
those affecting one-half of the body Affects the cerebrum, will not cure convulsive seizures proceeding from the spinal cord Painful contracture of limbs and trunk; tetanus Shows a special, attraction for light-haired females Unmarried and childless women, sensitive and romantic girls, etc. Sensation of hollowness, or emptiness, as if parts had gone to sleep Feels too weak to talk loud Aversion to food, drink, tobacco Metallic taste Loss of appetite Desire for cold drinks, especially beer Smell of food disgusts Too early menses, clotted, with spasmodic colic Purulent, gushing leucorrhœa between menses; very weakening, can scarcely speak So weak during menstruation, scarcely able to stand Spasmodic yawning Constant drowsiness |
Eating After loss of sleep Open air Smoking Riding Swimming Touch Noise Jar Afternoon Menstrual period After emotional disturbance |
|
| Lycopodium | |||
| Mercurius | |||
| Graphites | |||
| Secale Cornutum | Contraction of the unstriped muscular fibers; hence
a constringent feeling throughout the whole body Coldness, numbness, petechiæ, mortification, gangrene For old people with shriveled skin-thin, scrawny old women The whole body is pervaded by a sense of great heat Debility, anxiety, emaciation, though appetite and thirst may be excessive Facial and abdominal muscles twitch Cramps commence in face and spread over whole body Unnatural ravenous appetite; craves acids Thirst unquenchable Brownish, offensive leucorrhœa Menses irregular, copious, dark; continuous oozing of watery blood until next period Skin shriveled, numb; mottled dusky-blue tinge Dry gangrene, developing slowly Burning sensation; better by cold; wants parts uncovered, though cold to touch Slight wounds continue to bleed Livid spots Skin feels cold to touch, yet covering is not tolerated Great aversion to heat Formication under skin |
Heat Warm covering |
Cold Uncovering Rubbing Stretching out limbs |
| Plumbum | Constrictive sensation in internal organs. Delirium, coma and convulsions Excessive and rapid emaciation Important in peripheral affections The points of attack for Plumbum are the neuraxons and the anterior horns Contractions and boring pain Solids cannot be swallowed Urine scanty; albuminous; low specific gravity Loss of sexual power Disposition to yawn and stretch Wrist-drop Cramps in calves Stinging and tearing in limbs, also twitching and tingling, numbness, pain or tremor |
At night Motion |
Rubbing Hard pressure Physical exertion |