Priority: normal · Status: published
Date: 2026-10-22 (Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, PubMed record; 2026;32(3):230–233)
Source: Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism — PubMed — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42902707/ · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pedm.2026.163360
What happened?
A paediatric endocrinology team at Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poland) published the case of a 14-year-old girl with severe adrenal insufficiency alongside autoimmune thyroiditis in Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PubMed record 22 October 2026).
What is this about? (short)
Schmidt syndrome is also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (APS-2). Its main components are autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s) and autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g. Hashimoto’s).
People with one autoimmune disease are known to be at risk of developing others.
Study summary
The previously healthy girl developed weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain and poor exercise tolerance. Symptoms worsened during infections and led to several hospital stays.
During one stay autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed and levothyroxine was started. Her condition then deteriorated and fainting episodes appeared.
She was admitted urgently to a paediatric endocrinology department, where primary adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed and autoimmune thyroid disease confirmed.
Hydrocortisone was started first, with levothyroxine added a few days later. The authors’ message: people with autoimmune thyroid disease may also have life-threatening adrenal insufficiency.
Who is it for?
People with Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune thyroid disease who have unexplained fatigue, weight loss, nausea, salt craving or fainting, and their families.
People with Addison’s disease who also have (or are newly diagnosed with) thyroid disease.
Access / country context
This is a single case report; it does not establish a frequency or a rule. But not missing adrenal insufficiency when starting thyroid hormone is a well-known warning in endocrinology.
What it means for patients in Türkiye
Hashimoto’s is common in Türkiye. If you clearly worsen, faint or vomit after starting thyroid medication, tell your doctor promptly.
If you have Addison’s and thyroid treatment is being started or changed, plan it together with your endocrinologist. Do not change the order or amount of your medicines on your own.
Warning: This is a news summary, not dose or treatment advice. Ask your endocrinologist.
Prepared by: Asistan · 9 Nov 2026. Source: Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism article abstract (PubMed).
Medical disclaimer: Information on this site is prepared by a patient community for general awareness; for diagnosis, treatment or dose changes always consult your own doctor (endocrinologist). In an emergency call your local emergency number.