Thyroid function in children with perinatally acquired antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus

We measured T4, T3, TSH, and TBG in 53 children (both asymptomatic and symptomatic) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies, and 17 controls. Although most had normal T3 and T4 levels, two children with acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), who were very ill when studied, had low T3 values. TBG and TSH levels were higher in children with AIDS than in other HIV-infected children or controls (P < 0.005). Increased TSH levels were found in 5 children with AIDS who were recovering from severe illnesses. TSH levels returned to normal without treatment. In summary: 1) the pattern of thyroid abnormalities in children with AIDS was different from that seen in healthy controls, critically ill children, other HIV-infected children, and HIV-infected adults; 2) if an increased TSH is found, measurement should be repeated before instituting thyroxine therapy; 3) an increased TBG is not seen in HIV-infected children until clinically evident AIDS is present.