Screening for chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients
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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

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Published on: October 31, 2010
Michelle M Estrella1, Derek M Fine
1Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. mestrel1@jhmi.edu
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in individuals with HIV, influenced by various factors beyond infection itself. Early screening for kidney disease is crucial for managing HIV patients effectively.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved survival for HIV-infected individuals.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant comorbidity in the HIV-infected population.
- CKD development in HIV is multifactorial, including genetic, age-related, treatment-related, and co-occurring condition influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current guidelines for screening CKD in HIV-infected individuals.
- To discuss established and novel methods for detecting CKD in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current guidelines and research on CKD screening in HIV.
- Analysis of factors contributing to CKD in HIV-infected individuals.
- Discussion of traditional and emerging diagnostic strategies.
Main Results:
- CKD is a prevalent comorbidity in HIV-infected individuals, impacting survival.
- Proteinuria and impaired kidney function correlate with faster HIV progression and mortality.
- Screening for kidney disease is recommended for all HIV-infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- CKD is a critical concern in HIV management due to its impact on patient outcomes.
- Comprehensive screening strategies are essential for early detection and intervention.
- Understanding multifactorial causes of CKD in HIV is key to effective management.
Abstract:
With improved survival afforded by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), CKD has emerged as one of the primary comorbid conditions affecting HIV-infected individuals. Although CKD in HIV-infected individuals is classically thought of as a consequence of advanced HIV infection such as in the case of HIV-associated nephropathy, several factors likely contribute to the development CKD in HIV infection. These factors include genetic predisposition, age-related decline in kidney function, HAART-related metabolic changes, exposure to multiple nephrotoxic medications, and concurrent conditions such as hepatitis C or illicit drug use. Similar to the general population, proteinuria and impaired kidney function are associated with faster progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome and death. Given the prevalence and impact of kidney disease on the course of HIV infection and its management, current guidelines recommend screening all HIV-infected individuals for kidney disease. This review focuses on the current guidelines for kidney disease screening and discusses traditional as well as promising strategies for detecting CKD in this vulnerable population.
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