Study of prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with CD4 count in HIV patients

Abstract

Background: Previous authors have reported thyroid dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Thyroid dysfunction may be a marker of severity or progression of HIV as reported by several studies.

Aim and objective: To study prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with CD4 count in HIV patients.

Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty HIV positive patients were studied in ART center in the Department of Medicine at Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal. Thyroid profile (TT3, TT4, TSH, ft3 and ft4) were assessed along with CBP, ESR, LFT and RFT. Clinical examination and X ray chest and sputum examination done for confirmation or to rule out tuberculosis. Chemiluminescence assay was used for detection of thyroid function.

Results: HIV infection was more prevalent in the age groups of 30-40 years (34.6%) and females. Prevalence of thyroid abnormality was 32%. Subclinical hypothyroidism was most common (18.66%) followed by clinical hypothyroidism (11.33%). Out of 80 patients with CD4 count <250, 21 had subclinical hypothyroidism. Out of 70 patients with CD4 count >250, 7 had subclinical hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is highly prevalent in HIV patients’ mainly subclinical hypothyroidism. Routine thyroid function investigation is recommended in HIV patients.