Abnormal thyroid function in older men with or at risk for HIV infection

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with abnormal thyroid function in older men with or at risk for HIV infection.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 636 men > or =49 years old was carried out using data obtained from interviews, from measurements of body mass index (BMI), HIV-1 serology and viral load, CD4 cell count, hepatitis C virus (HCV) assays, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroid hormone levels.

RESULTS: Participants were 54% black, 57% overweight/obese, 57% HIV seropositive, and 72% HCV seropositive; 38% reported recent cocaine or heroin use. Decreased TSH was found in 56 men (8.8%) and raised TSH in 23 men (3.6%). Only three men had abnormal free thyroxine levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal TSH levels were noted in 12.4% of older men with or at risk for HIV infection, but nearly all reflected subclinical hyperthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism.