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HIV-associated nephropathy in Saudi Arabia
Haifa Al-Sheikh1, Mohammed Al-Sunaid, Abdulrahman A Alrajhi
1Dr. Abdulrahman A. Alrajhi, Department of Medicine,, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre,, MBC#46 PO Box 3354,, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia, rajhi@kfshrc.edu.sa.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|September 25, 2013
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) affects HIV patients, presenting as kidney failure. This study found a higher prevalence of HIVAN in Saudi Arabia than in developed countries.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected individuals.
- HIVAN typically manifests as proteinuria, enlarged kidneys, and rapid renal failure, particularly in patients of African descent.
- Understanding the prevalence of HIVAN is crucial for managing renal complications in the growing HIV population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HIVAN in a cohort of HIV-infected patients.
- To identify risk factors and clinical characteristics associated with HIVAN in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from 1990 to 2010 at a referral center.
- Eligibility criteria included HIV-positive patients meeting specific inclusion criteria.
- Renal disease and suspected HIVAN were identified using proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2).
Main Results:
- Out of 585 HIV-positive patients, 248 were included in the analysis.
- Sixteen patients (6.6%) met the criteria for HIVAN.
- Abnormal proteinuria was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of abnormal proteinuria and HIVAN in HIV-infected patients in Saudi Arabia is higher than reported for non-African populations in developed countries.
- These findings highlight the importance of renal monitoring in HIV patients, especially in specific geographic regions.
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