STUDY ON ENDOCRINOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HIV INFECTED MALE PATIENTS FROM EASTERN INDIA

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectionis associated with a variety of endocrine problems. Hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism are commonly found singly or in combination. Especially, male hypogonadism is very common in this population and may lead to weight loss, lethargy and other co morbidities. We undertook this cross sectional observational study to evaluate endocrine profile in HIV infected males in a sample Eastern Indian population. We also studied for any correlation of the endocrine dysfunctions with their immune status. We studied the blood hormone profiles along with blood CD4 counts. The bloods were drawn in fasting state and analysed using suitable high sensitivity assays. Standard statistical methods were used. We had 48 patients in our study. Among them, 33% had hypogonadism, 20% had hypothyroidism and 15 patients had diabetes. The hypogonadism was mainly hypogonadotropic. In other studies across the globe also, hypogonadism in HIV positive males is found to be significant. Our diabetic patients were not on protease inhibitors. We found some patients who had multiple endocrine dysfunctions. HIV infection is often associated with endocrine abnormalities. This aspect of the disease must be addressed during routine care of these patients. Hormone replacement must be individualized and may be needed for prolonged periods.