Evaluation of Thyroid Hormones, CD4+ T Cells, BMI and Blood Pressure in HIV Seropositive Subjects in Nkpor, Anambra State, South East Nigeria

• A.O Oluboyo

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may directly or indirectly affect organ functions. Thyroid dysfunction, immune deficiency and cardiovascular disorders have been associated with HIV infection and the use of antiretroviral therapy. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones, CD4 + T cells, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure of HIV seropositive subjects in Nkpor, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty subjects were investigated; 50 HIV seropositive subjects who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 50 HIV infected subjects who were on ART and 50 apparently healthy non HIV subjects (control). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were assayed using ELISA methods. CD4+T cells were determined using flow cytometry. Body Mass Index (BMI) was derived from the heights and weights of the subjects. The results showed that the levels of thyroid hormones and systolic blood pressure of HIV seropositive subjects on ART were significantly increased when compared with HIV seropositive subjects not on ART and the control subjects. CD4+ T cell counts and BMI showed significant decrease while the diastolic blood pressure did not show significant increase. There was a significant decrease observed in the level of TSH in subjects on Lamivudine, Zudovudine and Efavirenz (LZE) antiretroviral combination compared with those on Lamivudine, Efavirenz and Stavudine (LES) combination whereas there were significant increases in the levels of T3 and T4 in the subjects respectively. It was concluded that thyroid dysfunction as well as variations in BMI and blood pressure are present in HIV seropositive subjects especially during antiretroviral therapy.

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