Prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in HIV-infected men

Endocrine dysfunction is a common problem in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). We therefore evaluated the endocrine function in 31 male homosexual HIV-1-infected men: mean age 37 +/- 7.2 years (range 24-52).

Blood was obtained for baseline T3, T4, TSH, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, ACTH and cortisol values. Endocrine function tests were performed as TRH, CRH, ACTH, LH-RH and HCG tests.

Thyroid function: There was a temporarily increased TSH in 3 of 17 patients but normal levels for T3, T4 and fT4 (without thyroid antibodies). One patient showed signs of latent hyperthyroidism (no response in TRH test). Adrenocortical function: Two patients had adrenal insufficiency. They showed a normal baseline cortisol level, an elevated ACTH level and no increase in cortisol levels after stimulation with CRH. All other patients revealed normal responses on the CRH/ACTH tests. Gonadal function: 9 patients had elevated FSH levels (tubular insufficiency), 4 patients additionally had increased LH levels (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism). 5 patients showed signs of tertiary hypogonadism (low LH and testosterone, increase of LH after stimulation with LH-RH).

In disorders of thyroid and adrenocortical function of primary or tertiary origin, a substitution of hormones should be taken into consideration.