Prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in HIV-infected men

Objective: Endocrine dysfunction is a common problem in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). We therefore evaluated the endocri ne function in 31 male homosexual HIV-1-infected men: mean, age 37 +/- 7.2 years (range 24-52). Methods and Materials: Blood was obtained for baseline T3, T4, TSH, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, ACTH and cortisol values. E ndocrine function tests were performed as TRH, CRH, ACTH:, LH-RH and HCG te sts. Results: Thyroid function: There was a temporarily increased TSH in 3 of 17 patients but normal levels for T3, T4 and fT4 (without thyroid antibo dies). One patient showed signs of latent hyperthyroidism (no response in T RH test). Adrenocortical function: Two patients had, adrenal insufficiency. They showed a normal baseline cortisol level, an elevated ACTH level and n o increase in cortisol levels after stimulation with CRH. All other patient s revealed normal responses on the CRH/ACTH tests. Gonadal function: 9 pati ents had elevated FSH levels (tubular insufficiency), 4 patients additional ly had increased LH levels (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism). 5 patients sho wed signs of tertiary hypogonadism (low LH and testosterone, increase of LH after stimulation with LH-RH). Conclusion: In disorders of thyroid and adr enocortical function of primary or tertiary origin, a substitution of hormo nes should be taken into consideration. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Ba sel.