Thyroid function abnormalities in HIV-infected patients

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Aug 15;45(4):488-94. doi: 10.1086/519978. Epub 2007 Jun 28.

Abstract

Abnormal thyroid function test results are common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Although the prevalence of overt thyroid disease does not appear to be significantly increased in HIV-infected patients, compared with the general population, specific patterns of abnormal thyroid function test findings are more frequently identified among HIV-infected patients. Among patients with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, nonthyroidal illness (i.e., euthyroid sick syndrome) is common. During antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of 2 generally asymptomatic conditions (subclinical hypothyroidism, which is characterized by isolated elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and isolated low free thyroxine levels) is increased. In addition, Graves disease, which is marked by low thyroid-stimulating hormone and elevated thyroxine levels, may occur during immune reconstitution. Testing for thyroid disease among symptomatic patients should begin with measurement of the thyroid-stimulating hormone level. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine thyroid screening of asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the optimal laboratory evaluation of thyroid function; highlights the causes, presentation, and treatment of thyroid dysfunction in HIV-infected patients; and discusses the controversies regarding screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications*
  • Thyroid Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Diseases / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroid Gland / physiopathology*
  • Thyrotropin / metabolism

Substances

  • Thyrotropin