Clinical features of adrenal insufficiency in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

摘要: Summary OBJECTIVE Adrenal insufficiency (Al) is a well known complication of AIDS. However, the clinical and biochemical features Al in HIV infected patients have not been extensively studied. DESIGN A restrospective study. PATIENTS We reviewed records 74 AIDS with and/or indications who underwent Synacthen testing order to determine adrenocortical function during 5-year period. MEASUREMENTS AI was diagnosed when Cortisol levels failed rise above 496 nmol/l at any time test. measured by RIA. RESULTS Sixteen (22%) were Al. Most young males all them had risk factor, principally I.v. drug users. The main complaint fatigue. Hyponatraemia or hyperkalaemia uncommon. All severely immuno-suppressed, AIDS-defining conditions from least 6 months before diagnosis Al, one disease that has reported produce patients. Survival poor. Thirteen these (81%) died within months. Basal cortisol lower than 275 75% but only 2% group 58 normal adrenal responses Synacthen. CONCLUSIONS advanced disease, without specific findings history previous opportunistic diseases. values 0830 h are highly suggestive