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