Kidney Involvement in HIV Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can involve various organs of the body. Kidney involvement is frequently seen during course of human immunodeficiency virus infection and it has become fourth leading condition contributing to death in acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) patients after sepsis, pneumonia, and liver disease. Rao first described the presence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and renal failure with HIV infection in 1984. This entity is now known as HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Renal involvement in HIV infection can manifest in a variety of clinical presentations. Renal manifestations can range from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease to end stage kidney disease. Various fluid and electrolyte disorders and acid base disturbances can also occur. Immune complex mediated glomerular involvement is also seen in these patients (see Table). HIVAN remains the most common form of kidney disease among HIV infected individuals which is usually associated with nephrotic range proteinuria. Treatment for HIVAN includes use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and systemic steroid administration. End stage renal disease (ESRD) is common in HIV infected individuals and accounts for 1% of patients receiving dialysis in USA. Survival of ESRD patients with HIV disease has improved dramatically over last one decade due to use of HAART. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be dialysis options for ESRD patients due to HIV disease. One year survival rate of HIV infected patients is equivalent to that of general population. Renal transplantation recently has become a viable option for renal replacement therapy in patients with well controlled HIV disease. Renal involvement can occur at all stages of HIV infection and can be initial clue to the presence of HIV infection in an undiagnosed patient. Renal involvement in HIV disease can also occur due to other causes seen in non –HIV infected population like exposure to nephrotoxic medications, hemodynamic changes during an acute illness, and obstruction. Treatment of HIV infection with highly active anti-retroviral agents itself can induce various renal abnormalities. Therefore, evaluation of renal abnormalities should be part of the comprehensive work up of a patient with newly diagnosed HIV infection and it should be periodically ruled out on subsequent follow up. Usually urinalysis, random protein to creatinine ratio, and comprehensive metabolic panel should be obtained as part of the initial work up. Patients on HAART should be monitored for potential renal toxicity of these agents. This chapter reviews details of various renal manifestations of HIV disease with special focus on presence of chronic kidney disease, pathogenesis and treatment of HIVAN, and