[Kidney toxicity's "HAART" therapy]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy can damage the kidney. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) generally improves the renal function as it reduces the viral replication, although the renal function may be reduced by certain antiretroviral drugs. HAART causes acute tubular necrosis, acute interstitial nephritis, calculi, Fanconi Syndrome, crystal nephropathy, elevated lipid levels as well as calcium and phosphorus alteration. The physician must estimate renal function before and during antiretroviral therapy, especially when HIV-infected patients have some risk factors for renal damage such as high-blood pressure or hepatitis B or C infections.