Increased Prevalence of Hypothyroidism among Human Immunodeficiency Virus—Infected Patients: A Need for Screening

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional multicenter study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for hypothyroidism in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Free T4, free T3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were determined. Data on age, sex, weight variation, smoking status, duration of HIV infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention disease stage, CD4 cell count, HIV RNA load, lipodystrophy, HIV-hepatitis C virus coinfection, and antiretroviral treatment (type of drugs and total cumulative dose) were collected. The prevalence study included 350 HIV-infected patients. Sixteen percent of patients had hypothyroidism: 2.6% had overt hypothyroidism, 6.6% had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 6.8% had a low free T4 level. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was higher among HIV-infected men than among HIV-infected women. A case-control study was conducted that compared hypothyroid (n=56) and euthyroid (n=287) patients. In the multivariate analysis, receipt of stavudine and low CD4 cell count were associated with hypothyroidism. Therefore, screening may be indicated for patients, especially men, who have received stavudine or have decreased CD4 cell counts.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Depression in Primary Care

“…Pertinent laboratory evaluation includes total and serum free testosterone levels and assessment for subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism, which are prevalent in HIV-infected individuals, especially males. 30,31 Particular attention should be paid to recent medication changes that may have acted as precipitants of psychiatric symptoms.…”

A study of thyroid dysfunction in HIV infected patients in a tertiary care hospital

“…[1][2][3] In fact, thyroid dysfunction is among the commonest endocrinopathies in HIV. Although the prevalence of overt thyroid disease does not appear to be significantly increased as compared to the general population, subtle thyroid dysfunction is common, believed to occur in as many as 35% of all HIV infected individuals.…”

“…Although the prevalence of overt thyroid disease does not appear to be significantly increased as compared to the general population, subtle thyroid dysfunction is common, believed to occur in as many as 35% of all HIV infected individuals. [1][2][3][4] In patients with advanced HIV disease, a variety of systemic opportunistic conditions that infect or infiltrate the thyroid can decrease or increase T 4 secretion.…”

“…1,2 In addition, Graves disease may occur during immune reconstitution. 9 The data on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV infected patients from India is scant.…”

Study of thyroid profile in seropositive HIV adults patients on HAART regimen

“…Beltran S, et al conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for hypothyroidism in 350 HIV infected patients grouped according to CDC staging. 6 Results showed 16% of them having hypothyroidism, 2.6% had overt hypothyroidism, 6.6% had subclinical hypothyroidism. Madge S et al, studied 1565 patients.…”