Renal function in Ghanaian HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy: a case-control study

HAART is anticipated to result in an increase in long-term survival, but may present with the development of associated complications. The aim of this study was to assess the renal function of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.

A case-control study (January to May 2013) conducted at the Suntreso Government Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 163 HIV-infected patients (mean age 39.9±10.22) were studied, of which 111 were on HAART (HIV-HAART) and 52 were not (HIV-Controls). Serum urea, creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride and CD4 counts were measured with the determination of eGFR (CKD-EPI and MDRD). Data was analysed using GraphPad Prism. The Chi-square, t-test, one-way ANOVA and Spearman's correlation were used. P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Mean CD4 count of HIV-Controls was higher than that of HIV-HAART but was not significant (p = 0.304). But for sodium levels which were higher in HIV-Controls (p = 0.0284), urea (p = 0.1209), creatinine (p = 0.7155), potassium (p = 0.454) and chloride (p = 0.6282) levels did not differ significantly between both groups. All serum biochemical parameters did not differ significantly, irrespective of duration on therapy and CD4 counts. Based on regimen, sodium, chloride, urea and creatinine did not differ significantly between TDF, EVF and NVP-based therapies. Prevalence of CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) in the total population was 9.9% and 3.7% with the MDRD and EPI-CKD equations respectively.

Renal insufficiency remains prevalent in HIV patients. Changes in renal function occur in HIV infection and over the course of HAART but the difference at either stage is not significant. This suggests the role of HIV infection, HAART and the presence of traditional risk factors but not HAART in itself, in renal dysfunction. We however recommend a close monitoring of patients before and during HAART, to aid in evaluating drug combinations and implement dose modifications when necessary.