Background: Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level is elevated in a number of disease states and medical conditions. Based on review of the medical literature, we postulated that serum ACE level elevation may occur during infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Methods: In a prospective, controlled study, serum ACE levels of HIV-positive patients were compared with those of an HIV-negative control population.
Results: Serum ACE levels were significantly elevated in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (55.4 +/- 11.4 U/L) and in patients with an intermediate stage of HIV infection (57.2 +/- 25.3 U/L) when compared with levels in controls (31.9 +/- 14.0 U/L).
Conclusions: Elevated serum ACE levels occur in HIV infection and may be an important marker for this disease.