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Gynecomastia in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

Teresa García-Benayas1, Francisco Blanco, Luz Martín-Carbonero

  • 1Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Carlos III, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28035 Madrid, Spain.

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|October 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Gynecomastia, a condition causing male breast enlargement, was observed in HIV-positive men on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Most cases resolved spontaneously within a year without treatment changes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gynecomastia is a potential side effect in men, with limited data on its occurrence in HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy.
  • Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly improved outcomes for HIV patients but may be associated with various adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and natural history of gynecomastia in HIV-positive men receiving HAART.
  • To determine potential associations between gynecomastia and patient status, specific drugs, or hormonal imbalances.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 34 HIV-positive men diagnosed with gynecomastia over a 20-month period in an HIV outpatient clinic.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, immunologic and virologic status, HAART regimens, and clinical presentation of gynecomastia.

Main Results:

  • An incidence of 2.4 cases per 100 patients on HAART per year was observed.
  • Gynecomastia predominantly occurred in patients with good immunologic and virologic control, approximately 3 years into HAART.
  • No hormonal abnormalities or specific drug associations were identified. Over half of initially unilateral cases became bilateral.
  • Spontaneous resolution was noted in most patients within 12 months, irrespective of HAART modification.

Conclusions:

  • Gynecomastia is an infrequent but notable condition in HIV-positive men on HAART, particularly those with well-controlled disease.
  • The condition appears to be self-limiting and does not necessitate treatment modification in most cases.
  • Further research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking HAART to gynecomastia in this population.

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