Endocrine and metabolic manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS

Since the first descriptions of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a great deal of knowledge has been accumulated on how these entities interact with the endocrine system. Recen tly new information has been received on autoimmune dysregulation causing t hyroid abnormalities after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as a ell as metabolic dysregulation occurring in the setting of protease inhi bitors. We review the pathophysiologic abnormalities of the endocrine syste ms due to HIV infection as well as the endocrine effects of drugs commonly used in HIV management. The spectrum of endocrine dysfunction associated wi th HIV is growing and the intensive care physician must be aware of these p otentially reversible abnormalities.