Renal dysfunction in the setting of HIV/AIDS

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced mortality and opportunistic infections in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• This success has shifted focus to noninfectious comorbidities, particularly kidney disease, which remains prevalent despite ART.
• HIV-infected individuals face unique and common risk factors for kidney disease, including direct viral effects, hepatitis C, diabetes, hypertension, and medication toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and epidemiological aspects of kidney disease in the HIV-infected population.
• To discuss current and emerging treatment strategies for kidney disease in HIV patients.
• To highlight the importance of early identification and management of renal complications.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current literature on kidney disease in HIV.
• It examines epidemiological data, risk factors, and diagnostic challenges.
• Treatment modalities, including dialysis and transplantation, are discussed.

Main Results:

• Kidney disease is a major comorbidity in HIV-infected individuals, with a complex etiology.
• Common risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are compounded by HIV-specific factors.
• Effective management requires a broad differential diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

• Despite advances in HIV treatment, kidney disease continues to impact patient outcomes.
• Efficient screening and prompt intervention are essential for improving renal health in this population.
• Further research into novel treatment strategies and prevention is warranted.