Urinalysis and electrolyte profiles in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

One hundred and twenty six patients diagnosed as having AIDS had their urinalysis and electrolyte profiles studied. The commonest electrolyte abnormalities were a low serum bicarbonate in 56% of the patients and hyponatraemia in 48%. Possible aetiological factors are discussed. Significant pyuria was found in 10% of the patients and significant bacteriuria in 13%. Escherichia coli was the commonest isolated organism (56% of all the culture positive cases). Proteinuria above the upper limit of normal was detectable in 13% of the patients; of these, 25% had proteinuria in the nephrotic range. Of the patients 3% had clinical and biochemical evidence of renal insufficiency. It is concluded that significant bacteriuria occurs commonly in AIDS and that renal insufficiency and nephrotic syndrome may be associated with the disease. It is also noted that other electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities, in particular hyponatraemia and low bicarbonate levels may contribute to the morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from AIDS.