Renal Disorders in HIV-Infected Patients

Background: HIV infection affects all body organs including kidney. Since the frequency of HIV-related renal disorders is unknown in Iran and the number of HIV-infected patients is increasing, this study was conducted for the first time in Iran to assess the frequency of electrolyte imbalance, renal failure, and proteinuria among HIV-infected patients. Methods: Between April and December 2005, 65 HIV-infected patients who were receiving care at an outpatient counseling center in Tehran, participated in this study. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Urine samples were analyzed to detect protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, and cast. Results: Of the 65 HIV-infected patients, 86.2% were males. The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 8.7 years, and 58.5% of the patients had a history of injecting illicit drugs. Urinalysis was normal in all patients, and serum levels of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were all in normal range. Conclusion: We found no electrolyte imbalance, proteinuria, or renal failure in HIV-infected patients. It seems that renal disorder is infrequent in Iranian HIV-infected patients.