Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown a potent inhibition of cytochrome P450
CYP3A4 through human immune deficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs). The
PI ritonavir is described as the most potent compound within these CYP3A4 inhibitors.
We present 2 cases who developed the sequelae of glucocorticoid excess following ritonavir
therapy and inhalative glucocorticoid treatment: A 60-year-old HIV positive man developed
the typical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome and a 52-year-old HIV positive man developed
severe osteoporosis.
Key words
adrenal - protease inhibitor - HIV - hypercortisolism - osteoporosis