Abnormal thyroid function in older men with or at risk for HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Thyroid dysfunction is common in aging populations.
• HIV infection can impact endocrine function.
• Older men with or at risk for HIV represent a population with potential for thyroid abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of abnormal thyroid function in older men (>=49 years) with or at risk for HIV.
• To identify factors associated with abnormal thyroid function in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 636 men aged 49 years and older.
• Data collection included interviews, BMI, HIV-1 serology and viral load, CD4 cell count, HCV assays, and thyroid hormone levels (TSH, free thyroxine).

Main Results:

• The study included 54% Black participants, 57% overweight/obese, 57% HIV-seropositive, and 72% HCV-seropositive. 38% reported recent substance use.
• Abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were observed in 12.4% of participants (8.8% decreased TSH, 3.6% raised TSH).
• Only three men had abnormal free thyroxine levels, suggesting predominantly subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal TSH levels are present in a notable percentage of older men with or at risk for HIV.
• The majority of abnormal TSH findings indicate subclinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
• Routine monitoring of thyroid function may be warranted in this demographic.