Is PoTS an Autoimmune Condition

The aetiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) remains unknown. An autoimmune basis is postulated based on a number of clinical features. Features such as female preponderance and symptoms similar to other autoimmune conditions are a few of these. Onset is often associated with a trigger, which can thereafter result in immunological changes. In addition, a number of autoantibodies have been reported in PoTS and targeting some of these with immunomodulatory treatments has resulted in symptom relief. The main difficulty is the heterogeneous nature of the current evidence, which prevents any firm conclusions being made, but definitely opens up avenues requiring further study.