Subclinical hypothyroidism in HIV-infected patients is not an autoimmune disease

A study of 350 HIV+ patients in our region showed that 16% suffered from hypothyroidism. Twenty-two HIV+ hypothyroid patients (10 with subclinical hypothyroidism, 12 with low FT4 levels (LT4) (confirmed by a dialysis equilibrium assay) and 22 HIV+ euthyroid controls receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy were included in an additional study.

No goiter or anti-thyroid antibodies were detected. Use of stavudine was more frequent in the LT4 subgroup (p < 0.01) and subclinical hypothyroidism group (p = 0.04). Use of didanosine (OR, 12.5, p < 0.01) and ritonavir (OR, 33.0, p < 0.01) was more frequent in the LT4 subgroup, with a greater didanosine cumulative dose (616.7 mg [180.0, 1,260.0] vs. 263.7 [63.0, 948.0], p = 0.01). Reverse T3, binding protein levels, the TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, urinary iodine, plasma selenium and thiocyanate levels did not differ. IFNgamma levels were lower in the subclinical hypothyroidism group (pg/ml) (9.1 [0.0, 22.7] vs. 19.5 [0.0, 40.9], p = 0.03).

None of the investigated mechanisms are able to explain the occurrence of hypothyroidism in HIV patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy except the anti-retroviral treatment. In light of the absence of autoimmunity, the normal adenohypophysis and thyroid responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone, central hypothyroidism is suspected and could explain LT4 and high TSH levels. Underlying mechanisms need further exploration.