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Thyroid dysfunction in antiretroviral treated children

Alessandra Viganò1, Sara Riboni, Roberta Bianchi

  • 1University of Milan, L Sacco Hospital, L Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy. alessandra.vigan@unimi.it

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|March 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid abnormalities are common in children on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), with 35% showing issues like low free thyroxine. Regular thyroid function monitoring is recommended for these pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • Thyroid dysfunction is prevalent in adults with HIV on HAART.
  • Limited data exists on thyroid function in HIV-infected children undergoing HAART.
  • This study addresses the gap in understanding pediatric thyroid health in the context of HAART.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate thyroid function in children with HIV receiving HAART.
  • To identify the prevalence and types of thyroid abnormalities in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed 52 HIV-infected children on HAART for thyroid dysfunction.
  • Measured serum concentrations of TSH, FT4, FT3, TG, rT3, and thyroid antibodies (anti-TG, anti-TSM).

Main Results:

  • 18 (35%) children exhibited thyroid abnormalities, primarily isolated low FT4 (16 children).
  • Children with low FT4 had shorter HAART duration and lower CD4 cell percentage.
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response to TRH test was normal in low FT4 cases.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid abnormalities frequently occur in HAART-treated children, often asymptomatic.
  • Routine thyroid function monitoring is crucial for pediatric patients on HAART.
Abstract

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