Study of thyroid dysfunction in hiv sero-positive patients

Introduction: HIV infection is associated with dysfunction of many endocrine organs and their axis. The interaction between HIV infection and endocrine system is complex ranging from subtle biochemical abnormalities in hormone secretion, transport and metabolism to rare instances of hormonal resistance and overt glandular failure.
Aims: To see the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV seropositive patients and correlate T3, T4, TSH with CD4 cell count.
Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study done on 50 HIV seropositive patients. The subjects were incorporated into the study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Newly diagnosed or previously known HIV seropositive patients who were not on ART were included in the study.
Results: Patients with low CD4 cell count were having significantly higher TSH, whereas lower T3 and T4 values. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the commonest biochemical abnormality observed.
Conclusion: Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was significantly higher in HIV seropositive patients and low CD4 cell counts had strong correlation with development of thyroid dysfunction.