Neuroendocrine abnormalities associated with HIV infection.

Functional derangement of every endocrine organ system has been reported in association with HIV infection. The changes in endocrine function may be related to the viral infection of the gland, to systemic effects of HIV or an opportunistic infection, to infiltration by a neoplasm such as Kaposi's sarcoma, to a complication of treatment, or generation of cytokines. A wide spectrum of endocrine abnormalities is observed in HIV-infected patients. Some of these abnormalities are similar to those seen in other systemic illness, whereas others are unique to HIV infection. The clinical significance of many of these endocrine abnormalities is not well understood.