Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men.

We prospectively studied adrenal function in 51 human immunodeficiency virus-positive male patients, including heterosexuals, homosexuals, and iv drug users, classified according to 1987 CDC criteria as belonging to stages II/III or IVC. Basal serum concentrations of cortisol (F), progesterone (P4) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17 alpha-OHP4) were determined during the two stages. In stage IVC patients, the circadian rhythms of ACTH and F were assessed, and ovine CRH (oCRH) and immediate cosyntropin-stimulating tests were evaluated. Serum concentrations of hormones were analyzed in relationship to the absolute CD4 cell count in all subjects. The mean serum F concentration in stage IVC patients, the mean P4 concentration in stage II/III and IVC patients, and the mean 17 alpha-OHP4 level in stage II/III patients were significantly increased compared to control values (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.002, respectively). The mean serum F concentration in stage IVC patients was significantly increased compared to that in stage II/III patients (P < 0.004), and the mean serum 17 alpha-OHP4 concentration in stage II/III patients was significantly increased compared to that in stage IVC patients (P < 0.02). In the 22 stage IVC patients, the circadian rhythms of ACTH and F were normal in all but 7 for ACTH and 5 for F, whereas oCRH test results indicated that 14 of them had reduced or blunted responses. By contrast, cosyntropin stimulation results were normal. CD4 cell counts were significantly negatively correlated with the serum F concentration (P < 0.02). In conclusion, during human immunodeficiency virus infection, the serum F concentration was negatively correlated with CD4 cell counts. Cosyntropin test results were normal, but 63% of the stage IVC men had abnormal responses to oCRH.