Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 24, 2026

The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole Saliva
11:22

The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole Saliva

Published on: May 16, 2012

Prevalence of abnormal adrenocortical function in human immunodeficiency virus infection by low-dose cosyntropin test

J G González-González1, N E de la Garza-Hernández, R A Garza-Morán

  • 1Servicio de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitario Dr José Eleuterio González, Ave Madero y Gonzalitos S/N Col Mitras Centro, Monterrey NL, CP 64460, México. jmontes@ccr.dsi.uanl.mx

International Journal of STD & AIDS
|January 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The 10 microg cosyntropin test detects hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in 21.2% of HIV patients. Screening all AIDS patients with this test is recommended due to high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • Adrenocortical dysfunction is increasingly recognized in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • The 10 microg cosyntropin test is suggested to have higher sensitivity for detecting hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) dysfunction compared to other methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency using the 10 microg cosyntropin test in HIV-infected patients.
  • To identify the level of HPAA defect in patients with confirmed insufficiency.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred and four HIV-infected patients (32 with HIV infection, 72 with AIDS) underwent the 10 microg cosyntropin test.
  • Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test and human corticotropin-releasing hormone test were used to confirm and localize HPAA defects in abnormal/borderline respondents.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency was 21.2% in the overall HIV-infected cohort.
  • Frequency was higher in patients with AIDS (26.4%) compared to those with HIV infection (9.4%).
  • Confirmed insufficiency by insulin-induced hypoglycemia test was found in 16 of 19 cases, with 12 primary and 7 secondary defects.

Conclusions:

  • Adrenocortical dysfunction affects approximately 20% of patients with HIV disease.
  • Clinical symptoms are unreliable indicators for HPAA assessment; routine screening with the 10 microg cosyntropin test is suggested for all AIDS patients.

More Related Videos

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies07:10

Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...