[Endocrinological aspects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)]

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a severe disease. Lung, brain and digestive complaints that result in opportunistic infections and neoplasms are the most documented. The endocrine disorders, the description of which is recent on the basis of post-mortem data, motivated some authors to undertake studies in order to evaluate endocrine function in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An increase in serum cortisol level due to stress adaptation in the early stage of the disease is reported, whereas peripheral adrenal insufficiency, although unusual, appears in the late stage. Hypogonadism is common in men with HIV infection but its origin is discussed, central or peripheral. The thyroid function is generally preserved, but low T3 syndrome which correlates with bad prognosis may be observed. Anterior hypopituitarism, which is rare, hyponatremia more frequent because of its etiopathogenic factors in AIDS, constant and precocious hyperprolactinemia, are noticed. The episodes of asymptomatic or severe hypoglycemia may be explained by inanition and side effects of drugs. The non-specificity of the clinical manifestations of endocrine dysfunction masked by the classic signs of AIDS, shouldn't make forget the systematic search of glandular abnormalities as soon as an evocative symptomatology is conspicuous. The mechanisms of endocrine complications are badly known, but opportunistic infections, drugs, particularities related to the structure of HIV and interleukin 1 (IL1) surely play a role. The recognition of endocrine disorders is essential for optimal therapy because, unknown, their evolution is dramatic.