Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy in pregnancy

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy typically leads to endstage renal disease requiring dialysis within 3-4 months. This report describes the prenatal course of a patient with HIV-associated nephropathy requiring dialysis during pregnancy.

A 23-year-old nulliparous, black female presented at 13 weeks gestation with a history of HIV-associated nephropathy and anemia. She had a CD4 count of 350/mm(3), a total urinary protein of 1.7 g/day, and a serum creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl. The patient was begun on zidovudine, 500 mg daily, and erythropoietin, 4,000 units weekly. At 23 weeks gestation, when she developed hypertension, a total urinary protein of 3.4 g/day, and a serum creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl, she was hospitalized. Her renal function continued to deteriorate, requiring hemodialysis. At 29-4/7 weeks, she developed preterm labor, for which she was placed on indomethacin. Four days later, at 30 weeks gestation, she delivered a viable male infant.

HIV-associated nephropathy during pregnancy can be successfully managed with hemodialysis.