Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Hiv 1 Positive Patients

Abstract

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in India is estimated to be around 2.4 million. 1 HIV infection can lead to involvement of various organs and Systems including endocrine glands. Alteration in endocrine functions may be due to the possible relationship between the immune and endocrine systems, direct involvement of the glands by the virus itself, opportunistic infections or malignancies, highly active antiretroviral therapy and drugs used to treat opportunistic infections. 2,3 Thyroid hormones play a fundamental role in metabolism regulation of the immune system, modulating humoral and cell mediated immunity. 4 Many studies have evaluated the possible relationship of thyroid dysfunction in HIV. This study has been carried out in Medicine department of Rangaraya medical college GGH Kakinada, Sraddha Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra medical college, KGH, Visakhapatnam, GEMS hospital Srikakulam with an aim to see the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism in HIV I positive patients and its effect on diseases and possibility of an early diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Out of 102 patients 86(86.27%) are Euthyroid and 14(13.72%) are sub clinical hypothyroidism. Highest incidence is seen in stage 4. High incidence of thyroid dysfunction seen with low CD4 count. 10 females and 4 males are found. Out of 10 females 8 are not under ART have subclinical Hypothyroidism. In view of above high incidence of Thyroid Dysfunction in HIV patients with low CD4 counts has to be considered for screening.