Growth hormone deficiency coupled with hypogonadism in AIDS.

ABSTRACT

Both growth hormone and sex steroid deficiencies are known to affect quality of life adversely. Hypogonadism is not infrequent in patients with AIDS and due mostly to hypothalamic or end-organ failure. The prevalence of GH deficiency is unknown. We report two cases of GH deficiency in AIDS, one of which was associated with gonadotroph failure. The significance of GH deficiency in HIV infection in terms of its potential effects on disease progression is discussed. Further studies are required to assess the prevalence of GH deficiency and to clarify its role in the immunopathogenesis of AIDS.