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Elevated testosterone levels in HIV-infected men: case report and a retrospective chart review

Veerawat Phongtankuel1, Gregory Schrank, Erica N Campbell

  • 1Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.

Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
|June 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated high testosterone levels in HIV patients. No significant link was found with hepatitis C, but a weak association with longer HIV duration was observed.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals presenting with high-normal to elevated serum testosterone levels.
  • Understanding hormonal profiles in this population is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Observation:

  • A retrospective chart review was initiated due to an HIV-infected patient with unexplained high serum testosterone (>1000 ng/mL) and hepatitis C.
  • The study reviewed 1419 male HIV patients, identifying 159 (11%) for analysis, with 8 patients exhibiting testosterone levels >1000 ng/mL.

Findings:

  • No significant correlation was found between hepatitis C antibody positivity or viremia and elevated testosterone levels.
  • Similarly, no significant correlation was observed between CD4+ cell counts and high serum testosterone.
  • A weak positive association was identified between the duration of HIV diagnosis and elevated testosterone levels.

Implications:

  • These findings suggest that hepatitis C status and CD4+ counts are not primary drivers of extremely high testosterone in HIV patients.
  • The weak association with HIV duration warrants further investigation into potential long-term endocrine changes in HIV-infected individuals.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind elevated testosterone in some HIV patients and its clinical significance.

Keywords:
HIV/hepatitis C coinfectionhigh serum testosterone levels

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