II. Epidemiology
- HIV Nephropathy is associated with increased mortality in HIV
III. Pathophysiology
- HIV associated glomerulopathy
- HIV infects renal epithelial cells
- Promotes HIV gene expression (esp. Nef, Vpr) within renal cells
- Cellular organelle dysfunction (mitochondria, endolysosomes)
- Stress kinase activation
IV. Risk Factors
- Black race
- Older age
- Advanced Immunosuppression
- CD4 Count <200 cells/mm3
- HIV Viral Loads high
- Hepatitis C Virus coninfection
- Injection drug use
- APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)
V. Findings
- Edema
- Hypertension (may be present)
VI. Labs
-
Urinalysis and Urine Protein Quantification
- Proteinuria (nephrotic range)
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Hematuria (may be present)
-
Renal Function Tests (Serum Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen)
- Azotemia (Rapidly progressive, irreversible)
- Renal Biopsy
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (collapsing)
VII. Imaging
- Renal Ultrasound
- Increased Kidney size and echogenicity
VIII. Course
- End Stage Renal Disease develops in 4-16 weeks
IX. Differential Diagnosis
- See Nephrotic Syndrome
-
Heroin-associated nephropathy
- In contrast, HIV Nephropathy lacks Severe Hypertension, Peripheral Edema, Anasarca
X. Diagnosis
- Renal Ultrasound
- Kidneys are usually enlarged in HIV Nephropathy
- Renal Biopsy confirms diagnosis
XI. Management
- No known specific treatment
- Antiretroviral therapy for HIV
-
ACE Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
- See ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in Diabetic Nephropathy
- Indicated for persistent Proteinuria
- Manage comorbidities
-
End Stage Renal Disease
- Hemodialysis
- Renal Transplant (risk of recurrent HIVAN)
XII. Prevention
- Screen for renal disease at time of HIV diagnosis and then every 6 months (more frequently if high risk)
- Avoid Nephrotoxic Drugs
XIII. References
- Baloor (2018) Exam Preparatory Manual for Undergraduates Medicine, Jaypee Brothers, India, p. 240
- Chu (2017) Am Fam Physician 96(3): 161-9 [PubMed]