[High levels of HIV-1 RNA Associated with Early-Onset Glomerulopathy in Patients with HIV Infection]

There is an association not yet known, between high levels of HIV-1 RNA and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). There is also a barely known association between HIV-1 RNA levels and HIV-associated glomerular disease.

To determine the association between high HIV-1 RNA levels and alterations in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with HIV infection.

We conducted a prospective trial involving 198 seropositive HIV patients. three groups were formed: 53 patients with abnormal GFR (group I); 48 patients with proteinuria greater than 300 mg and less than 1 g in 24 h urine collection and/or with urinary cast (group 2); and 87 patients without nephropathy (group 3). We carried out comparative analysis for the most common factors associated with nephropathy in HIV seropositive patients.

Within factors associated with nephropathy, only RNA-HIV-1 plasma levels had a statistically significant association with altered GFR. (p = 0.008).

High levels of HIV-1 RNA are associated with initial forms of HIV- associated glomerulopathy, which do not have a rapid course to end- stage renal disease, but that do cause glomerular dysfunction, that could be subjected to early interventions.