THYROID PROFILE IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED HIV PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTH BENGAL-A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: HIV infection can lead to thyroid gland endocrinopathy. There is limited data regarding prevalence, pattern and correlates associated with thyroid dysfunction in India. The study will help to assess whether universal screening of thyroid function should be enforced in HIV infected patients. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction and also to nd out association between thyroid dysfunction with other factors like age, gender, and CD4 count in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients attending North Bengal Medical College. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 95 HIV infected patients attending indoor and outdoor of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital after fullment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using predesigned pre tested schedule after having informed consent and subjected to clinical and laboratory examination. Collected data were analysed using SPSS statistical software and presented using principles of descriptive statistics. Results: Overall 34.7% of study subjects had thyroid dysfunction. Mostly found dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism (23.2%). Direct correlation was observed between T3, T4, CD4 Count whereas TSH was inversely correlated with all others parameters. Conclusion: Biochemical abnormalities in thyroid function is commoner among patients with HIV. The severity of hypothyroidism is inversely correlated with CD4 counts. The screening of thyroid function in HIV patients thus indicated to improve the quality of life.