Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Establishment of the Dual Humanized TK-NOG Mouse Model for HIV-associated Liver Pathogenesis
Published on: September 11, 2019
Structural and functional kidney abnormalities in patients with Human immunodeficiency virus infection: A
Sivaprakash Sundaramoorthy1, Devarajan Radha2, Amalraj Ravi3
1Department of General Medicine, Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai 606604, Tamilnadu, India.
Insights
Kidney abnormalities are common in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, worsening as the disease progresses. Regular kidney monitoring is essential for early detection and management of these renal defects.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition leading to end-stage renal disease.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection complicates CKD, increasing comorbidities and worsening patient outcomes.
- Renal impairment in HIV-positive individuals poses significant health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate structural and functional kidney defects in patients diagnosed with HIV infection.
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of renal abnormalities in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 227 adult HIV-positive patients.
- Exclusion criteria included pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, CKD, liver disease, and nephrotoxic drug use.
- Data collection involved medical history, clinical exams, blood tests, and ultrasonography for renal assessment.
Main Results:
- The study population had a mean age of 41 years, with 66.5% females; 78% were on Tenofovir-based regimens.
- Over half (54.6%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m².
- Kidney abnormalities were prevalent: 39.2% showed enlarged kidneys and 82.8% had increased echogenicity; eGFR decline and increased kidney size correlated with advanced HIV stages.
Conclusions:
- Structural and functional kidney abnormalities are frequent in HIV-infected patients.
- These renal defects escalate with HIV disease progression.
- Consistent renal monitoring is crucial for managing kidney health in individuals with HIV.
Background:
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease that evolves towards the development of end-stage renal disease. The superimposition of renal impairment on a complex disease, namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, will raise the burden of comorbidities and, predict worse outcomes in this group of the population.
Aim:
To evaluate the structural and functional defects of kidney in patients with HIV infection.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved 227 patients with HIV infection. Participants were selected by simple random sampling method. Eligible participants included HIV infection-positive adults aged 18 years and above. Exclusion criteria encompassed individuals with preexisting hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and those receiving nephrotoxic drugs. Informed consent was obtained. Data collection involved recording medical histories, conducting clinical examinations, and performing baseline blood investigations and ultrasonography to assess renal function and structural abnormalities.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 41 years. Females constituted 66.5%; 78% were on Tenofovir-based regimen. The mean duration of HIV infection was 5 years; mean duration of antiretroviral therapy was 4 years. 67.4% had a body mass index over 25. World Health Organization staging of HIV infection revealed that 41.9% were in stage 3, 30% in stage 2. 35.7% had cluster differentiation 4 counts < 200. The mean creatinine was 1 mg/dL and mean urea was 25.1 mg/dL. 54.6% had estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60. Enlarged kidneys in 39.2% and increased echogenicity in 82.8% of participants. A decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and an increase in kidney size was significantly associated with advancing HIV stages.
Conclusion:
Both structural and functional kidney abnormalities are common in patients with HIV infection. These abnormalities increase with disease progression, underscoring the need for regular and consistent renal monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:10Nephrons
01:45Kidney Structure
01:20Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention