Study of Functioning of Thyroid in HIV Infected Patients

ABSTRACT

Background:Even though the introduction of ART has decreased the incidence of opportunistic infections in HIV, infection itself is associated with a number of endocrine abnormalities. There are only very few studies available to understand thyroid function in HIV patients. Aim - To determine thyroid function and to correlate clinical stage and CD4 count with the level of thyroid dysfunction. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in 76 newly diagnosed HIV positive patients in the Department of Medicine & Endocrinology, JIPMER over a period of 1.5yrs. Demographic data were collected, patients satisfying inclusion criteria were assessed, staged based on CD4 levels, blood samples were taken and thyroid hormone levels estimated. Results: Of 76 patients, 35 were with abnormal thyroid levels, 28 hypothyroid and 7 hyperthyroid. Among 28 hypothyroid, 12 were in WHO stage 1, 4 in stage 2, 6 in stage 3 and 6 in stage 4. There was no correlation between thyroid hormone levels and CD4 counts. Conclusion: 45% (35 cases) of patients with HIV infection had thyroid dysfunction, 28 of them hypothyroid and 7 hyperthyroid, most common abnormality being isolated low FT3.