Race but not Hepatitis C co-infection affects survival of HIV+ individuals on dialysis in contemporary practice.

Individuals with HIV infection are at elevated risk of developing end-stage renal disease. However, their outcomes after starting chronic dialysis in the contemporary era of widespread antiretroviral therapy are not well described. Using detailed data from a national dialysis provider, we determined HIV status by administrative codes and antiretroviral medication prescriptions, with hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection status provided by routinely measured serology. The survival on dialysis among 5348 individuals in the HIV+ group and 1863 HIV+/HCV+ individuals to a HIV-/HCV- reference cohort was compared. Race significantly modified the effect of HIV and HIV/HCV infection on mortality. In a multivariable model, HIV infection was not associated with an increased risk of death among Caucasians (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.91-1.16) but HIV/HCV co-infection (1.48, 1.18-1.87) was. In the same model for non-Caucasians, both HIV infection (1.44, 1.37-1.52) and HIV/HCV co-infection (1.71, 1.60-1.84) were significantly associated with higher mortality. A secondary analysis using propensity scores yielded similar results. Median follow-up for the reference group was 645 days (interquartile range 230-1323), 772 days (276-1623) for the HIV+ group and 777 days (334-1665) for the co-infected group. Thus, in the contemporary era of widespread antiretroviral use, HIV infection remains associated with a significant reduction in dialysis survival for non-Caucasians while HIV/HCV co-infection is associated with impaired survival regardless of race or ethnicity. Hence, interventions to improve the care for these vulnerable populations are needed.

Trends in the outcomes of end-stage renal disease secondary to human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the trends in the incidence and outcomes of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) attributed to human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). We sought to define relative incidence among ESRD patients, changes in mortality among patients with ESRD attributed to HIVAN, as well as changes in the excess mortality experienced by patients with ESRD attributed to HIVAN compared with otherwise similar ESRD patients with non-HIVAN causes. METHODS: We used the US Renal Data System to identify all individuals with reported HIVAN who initiated treatment for ESRD between 1989 and 2011. We plotted their counts and proportions among all incident ESRD patients and tabulated their characteristics across years. We then compared mortality within the HIVAN group across years using Cox regression. In addition, we studied the trends in relative mortality of HIVAN patients versus those with ESRD not reported as HIVAN. RESULTS: Overall, 14 719 individuals with HIVAN-ESRD were recorded, with significant reductions in recent years (893 in 2006; 525 in 2011). Compared with patients initiating dialysis between 1989 and 1992, mortality declined by 40% (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.55-0.65) and 64% (HR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.32-0.40) for patients initiating dialysis in 1999/2000 and 2009-11, respectively. The adjusted excess mortality of HIVAN-ESRD patients versus incident ESRD patients from other causes was >5-fold in 1989-92 (HR = 5.21; 95% CI, 4.84-5.60); this excess mortality has subsequently declined but remained at almost 3-fold in recent years (e.g. HR = 2.58; 95% CI, 2.37-2.80, 2009-11 incidence cohort). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent with the increasing availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), both the incidence of ESRD due to HIVAN and the mortality of such patients have decreased substantially. However, HIVAN patients reaching ESRD continue to experience substantial excess mortality compared with other ESRD patients even in the current era of modern HAART.

Association of urine α1-microglobulin with kidney function decline and mortality in HIV-infected women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite advances in therapy, HIV-infected individuals remain at higher risk for kidney dysfunction than uninfected individuals. It was hypothesized that urine levels of α1-microglobulin, a biomarker of proximal tubular dysfunction, would predict kidney function decline and mortality risk in HIV-infected and uninfected women. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In the Women's Interagency HIV Study, urine α1-microglobulin and creatinine concentrations were measured in 903 HIV-infected and 287 uninfected women using stored urine from 1999 to 2000, when prevalence of tenofovir use was <1%. Participants were categorized into three categories by level of α1-microglobulin-to-creatinine ratio, and associations with kidney decline and all-cause mortality over 8 years were evaluated. RESULTS: Urine α1-microglobulin was detectable in 60% of HIV-infected and 40% of uninfected women (P<0.001). Among HIV-infected women, there were 177 (22%), 61 (7%), and 128 (14%) patients with incident CKD, with 10% annual eGFR decline, and who died, respectively. Compared with HIV-infected women in the lowest α1-microglobulin category, HIV-infected women in the highest α1-microglobulin category had a 2.1-fold risk of incident CKD (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.4), 2.7-fold risk of 10% annual eGFR decline (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.9), and 1.6-fold mortality risk (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 2.6) in models adjusting for kidney risk factors, baseline eGFR, and albuminuria. Among uninfected women, the highest α1-microglobulin category was associated with 3% (relative risk, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 3.5) and 5% (relative risk, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 4.3) annual eGFR decline relative to the lowest α1-microglobulin category. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal tubular dysfunction, indicated by urine α1-microglobulin, was independently associated with kidney function decline in HIV-infected and uninfected women and mortality risk among HIV-infected women.

Deteriorating renal function and clinical outcomes in HIV-positive persons.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between measures of renal function [current estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proportion of follow-up with a low eGFR (%FU ≤60 ml/min)] and fatal/ nonfatal AIDS, non-AIDS events and all-cause mortality. DESIGN: An observational, longitudinal cohort study of 12 155 persons from EuroSIDA. METHODS: Persons with at least one eGFR measurement after 1 January 2004, using the CKD-EPI formula, were included. Poisson regression analyses were used to determine whether current eGFR or %FU of 60 ml/min or less were independent prognostic markers for clinical events. RESULTS: During 61 425 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the crude incidence of deaths was 11.1/1000 PYFU [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.0-12.1] at current eGFR more than 90 ml/min and 199.6 (95% CI 1144.3-254.3/1000 PYFU) when current eGFR was 30 ml/min or less. Corresponding figures for AIDS were 12.2 (11.1-13.3) and 63.9 (36.5-103.7) and for non-AIDS were 16.0 (14.8-17.3) and 203.6 (147.7-259.5). After adjustment, current eGFR of 30 ml/min or less was a strong predictor of death [adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) 4.35; 95% CI 3.20-5.91] and non-AIDS events (3.63; 95% CI 2.57-5.13), although the relationship with AIDS was less strong (1.45; 95% CI 1.01-2.08). After adjustment, %FU of 60 ml/min or less was associated with a 22% increased incidence of death (aIRR 1.22 per 10% longer; 95% CI 1.18-1.27), a 13% increased incidence of non-AIDS events (95% CI 1.08-1.18) and a 15% increased incidence of AIDS events (95% CI 1.06-1.24). CONCLUSION: Both current eGFR and %FU of 60 ml/min or less were associated with death and non-AIDS events in HIV-positive persons. Our findings highlight the association between underlying renal dysfunction and morbidity and mortality in HIV infection, although reverse causality cannot be excluded.

Urinary biomarkers of kidney injury are associated with all-cause mortality in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in HIV-infected individuals, and is associated with mortality in both the HIV-infected and general populations. Urinary markers of tubular injury have been associated with future kidney disease risk, but associations with mortality are unknown. METHODS: We evaluated the associations of urinary interleukin-18 (IL-18), liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) with 10-year, all-cause death in 908 HIV-infected women. Serum cystatin C was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys). RESULTS: There were 201 deaths during 9269 person-years of follow-up. After demographic adjustment, compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertiles of IL-18 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-3.68], KIM-1 (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.44-2.89), NGAL (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.05-2.14) and ACR (HR 1.63; 95% CI 1.13-2.36) were associated with higher mortality. After multivariable adjustment including adjustment for eGFRcys, only the highest tertiles of IL-18 (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.29-2.74) and ACR (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.01-2.12) remained independently associated with mortality. Findings for KIM-1 were borderline (HR 1.41; 95% CI 0.99-2.02). We found a J-shaped association between L-FABP and mortality. Compared with persons in the lowest tertile, the HR for the middle tertile of L-FABP was 0.67 (95% CI 0.46-0.98) after adjustment. Associations were stronger when IL-18, ACR and L-FABP were simultaneously included in models. CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-infected women, some urinary markers of tubular injury are associated with mortality risk, independently of eGFRcys and ACR. These markers represent potential tools with which to identify early kidney injury in persons with HIV infection.

The clinical and histological response of HIV-associated kidney disease to antiretroviral therapy in South Africans.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the progression of kidney disease in HIV-infected patients in developing countries in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: HIV-infected patients were screened for kidney disease. Kidney biopsies were performed before and after initiation of ART to assess the clinical and histological response to treatment. Data were collected from all participants in accordance with the study protocol. The mean follow-up was 2.4 patient years on ART. RESULTS: There was a rapid immunological and renal response to ART. The renal response was reflected by a significant rise in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and rapid regression of proteinuria. The histological patterns were highly variable, ranging from non-specific lesions such as mesangial hyperplasia and interstitial nephritis to HIV-immune complex disease (HIV-ICD) with or without features of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In the follow-up biopsies, the histological response to treatment was variable with a combination of no change, progression or regression of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a spectrum of renal histological lesions in HIV-associated kidney disease. Initiation of ART produced a rapid and sustained clinical renal response in all participants, irrespective of the histology. Follow-up biopsies showed an inconsistent histological response of lesions to treatment. In lesions that regressed, there appeared to be a discrete lag in histological response when compared with the rapid clinical response.

The changing pattern of glomerular disease in HIV and hepatitis C co-infected patients in the era of HAART.

Previous reports have suggested a poor renal prognosis in patients with HIV and HCV co-infection with a preponderance of immune complex mediated glomerular disease on biopsy. Although the benefits of HAART on HIVAN are known, its impact on co-infected patients is unclear. We describe the renal biopsy findings and renal outcome in 29 co-infected patients in the HAART era and compare them to findings in 14 historical controls reported from our institution in the pre-HAART era. Our present cohort was predominantly male and Black with the majority reporting a history of intravenous (i.v.) drug use. Renal biopsy findings included 16 patients with immune complex mediated glomerular disease and 14 patients with FSGS, of which only 3 had collapsing features and/or tubular microcysts typical of HIVAN. Five patients had other biopsy diagnoses not directly related to viral infection. Median renal survival in our cohort was 15.6 months - significantly better than the 1.7 months seen our pre-HAART cohort. The modern cohort's improved renal outcome occurred despite older patients, longer HIV infection and similar levels of renal insufficiency. Our data indicate a changing epidemiology and natural history of renal disease in the HAART era with less immune complex mediated glomerular disease and more non-collapsing FSGS of the usual type. The marked improvement is likely to be multifactorial, including use of antiretroviral and anti-HCV therapies, RAAS antagonists, earlier nephrology referral and generally improved medical care.

HIV-associated nephropathy patients with and without apolipoprotein L1 gene variants have similar clinical and pathological characteristics.

Recently, an association was found between nondiabetic kidney disease in African Americans and two independent sequence variants in the APOL1 gene, encoding apolipoprotein L1. In this study we determined the frequency of APOL1 risk variants in patients with biopsy-proven HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and distinctive pathological characteristics potentially driven by those risk variants. Among 76 patients with HIVAN, 60 were successfully genotyped for APOL1 G1 and G2 polymorphisms. In this cohort, 37 had two risk alleles, 18 were heterozygous, and 5 had neither risk variant. There were no differences in the pathological findings of HIVAN and the number of APOL1 risk alleles. Further, the progression to end-stage kidney disease or death did not differ by the number of risk alleles. Median renal survival was 9.3 months in patients with zero or one risk allele compared to 11.7 months in patients with two APOL1 risk alleles. Thus, our study suggests that although the majority of African-American patients with HIVAN have two APOL1 risk alleles other as yet unknown factors in the host, including genetic risk variants and environmental or viral factors, may influence the development of this disorder in those with zero or one APOL1 risk allele.

Baseline kidney function as predictor of mortality and kidney disease progression in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased all-cause mortality and kidney disease progression. Decreased kidney function at baseline may identify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients at increased risk of death and kidney disease progression. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 7 large HIV cohorts in the United Kingdom with kidney function data available for 20,132 patients. PREDICTOR: Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). OUTCOMES: Death and progression to stages 4-5 CKD (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for >3 months) in Cox proportional hazards and competing-risk regression models. RESULTS: Median age at baseline was 34 (25th-75th percentile, 30-40) years, median CD4 cell count was 350 (25th-75th percentile, 208-520) cells/µL, and median eGFR was 100 (25th-75th percentile, 87-112) mL/min/1.73 m(2). Patients were followed up for a median of 5.3 (25th-75th percentile, 2.0-8.9) years, during which 1,820 died and 56 progressed to stages 4-5 CKD. A U-shaped relationship between baseline eGFR and mortality was observed. After adjustment for potential confounders, eGFRs <45 and >105 mL/min/1.73 m(2) remained associated significantly with increased risk of death. Baseline eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was associated with increased risk of kidney disease progression, with the highest incidence rates of stages 4-5 CKD (>3 events/100 person-years) observed in black patients with eGFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and those of white/other ethnicity with eGFR of 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m(2). LIMITATIONS: The relatively small numbers of patients with decreased eGFR at baseline and low rates of progression to stages 4-5 CKD and lack of data for diabetes, hypertension, and proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Although stages 4-5 CKD were uncommon in this cohort, baseline eGFR allowed the identification of patients at increased risk of death and at greatest risk of kidney disease progression.

HIV-associated kidney glomerular diseases: changes with time and HAART.

BACKGROUND: Treatment and co-morbidities of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have changed dramatically in the last 20 years with a potential impact on renal complications. Our objective was to assess the change in distribution of the glomerular diseases in HIV patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed demographic, clinical, laboratory and renal histopathological data of 88 HIV-infected patients presenting with a biopsy-proven glomerular disease between 1995 and 2007. RESULTS: In our study including 66% Black patients, HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was observed in 26 cases, classic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 23 cases, immune complex glomerulonephritis in 20 cases and other glomerulopathies in 19 patients. HIVAN decreased over time, while FSGS emerged as the most common cause of glomerular diseases (46.9%) in HIV-infected individuals undergoing kidney biopsy in the last 2004-07 period. Patients with HIVAN were usually Black (97%), with CD4 <200/mL (P = 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P < 0.01). Compared to HIVAN, patients with classic FSGS were less often Black (P < 0.01), have been infected for longer (P = 0.03), were more often co-infected with hepatitis C virus (P = 0.05), showed more often cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (P < 0.01), had less often CD4 <200/mL (P = 0.01), lower HIV viral load (P = 0.01) and tended to be older (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Classic FSGS associated with metabolic and CV risk factors has overcome HIVAN in HIV-infected patients. Compared with other glomerulopathies, HIVAN remains strongly associated with severe renal failure, Black origin and CD4 lower than 200/mL at presentation.

The spectrum of renal histologies seen in HIV with outcomes, prognostic indicators and clinical correlations.

BACKGROUND: Two hundred and twenty-one HIV-positive renal biopsies were analysed from Groote Schuur Hospital to determine outcomes and prognostic indicators based on histology and clinical features. METHODS: The histology findings were compared with patient demographics, clinical and renal parameters, mortality, CD4 count and date of commencing combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART). Follow-up was between 1 and 3.5 years. RESULTS: We found a spectrum of renal histologies in HIV-positive patients of which HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was the most common histology. cART reduced the mortality in those with any feature of HIVAN by 57% [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.85]. Of those patients with HIVAN who died, 79% died of renal failure as registered on their death certificate. Proteinuria and microcysts were shown to be poor prognostic indicators (AHR 1.36: 1.09-1.70 and 2.04: 1.24-3.37). In patients with HIVAN alone followed for up to 2 years on cART, estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable and there was a trend towards decreased proteinuria. cART improved survival in patients with isolated immune complex disease. CONCLUSIONS: As mortality is improved in patients with any feature of HIVAN or isolated immune complex disease, cART should be initiated once any of these histological features are established. We believe the spectrum of disease that constitutes HIVAN needs to be more specifically defined. The ultimate outcome may be determined by the histological subtype.

[Characteristics of chronic renal failure in black adult patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine department of Treichville University Hospital]. / Particularités de l'insuffisance rénale chronique chez des patients adultes noirs hospitalisés dans le service de médecine interne du CHU de Treichville.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, biological aspects, treatment and outcome of chronic renal failure. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on medical data of 301 inpatients with chronic renal failure from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008 in the internal medicine department of Treichville university hospital. RESULTS: The hospital prevalence of chronic renal failure was 7.5%. The average patient age was 44±10 years [range : 16-86 years] and sex ratio was 1.3. The main medical histories were self-medication (38.5%) and hypertension (33.5%). In 82.4% cases, it was the end-stage renal disease. Biological abnormalities were important. The causes were dominated by nephroangiosclerosis noted in 25.3%, followed by HIV-associated nephropathy in 17% and chronic interstitial nephritis in 10.3%. Treatment consisted of transfusion in 71% and dialysis in 16%. Lethality was 54%. CONCLUSION: The chronic renal failure is a fairly common cause of hospitalization in our department. His prognosis is terrible. The main causes are nephroangiosclerosis and HIV-associated nephropathy. Accent should be placed on preventive measures of hypertension and AIDS.

Acute kidney injury in AIDS: frequency, RIFLE classification and outcome

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in AIDS patients and the value of RIFLE classification for predicting outcome. The study was conducted on AIDS patients admitted to an infectious diseases hospital inBrazil. The patients with AKI were classified according to the RIFLE classification: R (risk), I (injury), F (failure), L (loss), and E (end-stage renal disease). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with AKI. A total of 532 patients with a mean age of 35 ± 8.5 years were included in this study. AKI was observed in 37 percent of the cases. Patients were classified as "R" (18 percent), "I" (7.7 percent) and "F" (11 percent). Independent risk factors for AKI were thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.9, 95 percentCI = 1.5-5.6, P < 0.001) and elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 3.5, 95 percentCI = 1.8-6.6, P < 0.001). General mortality was 25.7 percent and was higher among patients with AKI (40.2 vs17 percent, P < 0.001). AKI was associated with death and mortality increased according to RIFLE classification - "R" (OR 2.4), "I" (OR 3.0) and "F" (OR 5.1), P < 0.001. AKI is a frequent complication in AIDS patients, which is associated with increased mortality. RIFLE classification is an important indicator of poor outcome for AIDS patients.

Acute kidney injury in AIDS: frequency, RIFLE classification and outcome.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in AIDS patients and the value of RIFLE classification for predicting outcome. The study was conducted on AIDS patients admitted to an infectious diseases hospital inBrazil. The patients with AKI were classified according to the RIFLE classification: R (risk), I (injury), F (failure), L (loss), and E (end-stage renal disease). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the factors associated with AKI. A total of 532 patients with a mean age of 35 ± 8.5 years were included in this study. AKI was observed in 37% of the cases. Patients were classified as "R" (18%), "I" (7.7%) and "F" (11%). Independent risk factors for AKI were thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.5-5.6, P < 0.001) and elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 3.5, 95%CI = 1.8-6.6, P < 0.001). General mortality was 25.7% and was higher among patients with AKI (40.2 vs17%, P < 0.001). AKI was associated with death and mortality increased according to RIFLE classification - "R" (OR 2.4), "I" (OR 3.0) and "F" (OR 5.1), P < 0.001. AKI is a frequent complication in AIDS patients, which is associated with increased mortality. RIFLE classification is an important indicator of poor outcome for AIDS patients.

The morbidity and mortality associated with kidney disease in an HIV-infected cohort in Puerto Rico.

INTRODUCTION: Nephropathy in HIV-infected patients has been associated with progression to AIDS and death. The virus, several comorbid conditions and certain medications may contribute to the development and progression of kidney disease. METHODS: This study analyzed data collected from HIV-infected persons enrolled in a HIV registry in Puerto Rico during January 1998 through September 2006. Demographic factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings at enrollment, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions were compared between patients with and without kidney disease. Death status and cause of death by December 2006 were also evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The study included 1,283 subjects, 69.0% male, 39.7% injecting drug users, 19.5% hepatitis C infected, 6.5% with diabetes mellitus (DM-2), 11.6% had hypertension (HTN) and 9.0% had kidney disease. Patients with kidney disease had significantly higher (P < .05) HIV viral load mean (273,499 vs. 202,858 copies/mL), CD4 T-cell count < 200 (57.0% vs. 44.4%), underweight (22.9% vs. 10.9%), DM-2 (13.9% vs. 5.8%), HTN (27.8% vs 10.0%) and mortality (15.9 vs 5.7 deaths per 100 years of follow-up) than those without it. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that patients with kidney disease had a higher mortality risk (2.1) after controlling for age, sex, HIV risk factor, ART prescription in the last year and HIV disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a substantial disparity in mortality for Puerto Rican HIV-infected patients with nephropathy. Kidney disease preventive strategies that include aggressive control of HIV-infection and chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, are recommend as an approach to reduce this health disparity.

Renal disease: the effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy and the implications for early antiretroviral therapy initiation.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review will summarize the relevant literature supporting the early initiation of antiretroviral therapy among persons with HIV and kidney disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent guidelines support the initiation of antiretroviral therapy among persons with HIVAN as soon as the diagnosis of kidney disease is made. However, few patients with HIV and kidney disease undergo renal biopsy to determine the histology of their renal lesion. Observational studies, however, suggest that antiretroviral therapy is associated with a lesser risk of new AIDS defining illness and mortality associated with the presence of proteinuria or increased creatinine. These abnormalities are seen in a larger proportion of persons with HIV than only those that undergo biopsy. Therefore, these markers could describe the subgroup of patients at highest risk of poor outcomes and potentially prompt the consideration of earlier initiation of therapy on an individual basis. SUMMARY: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy probably improves outcomes among persons with HIVAN. The presence of proteinuria or an elevated creatinine could prompt consideration for early initiation of antiretroviral therapy on a case-by-case basis.

Outcome of dialysis in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection accounts for an unknown percentage of children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Our objective was to compare the outcome of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in subjects with ESKD due to HIV and other diagnoses and to examine the prevalence of ESKD due to HIV. We analyzed Kt/V, morbidity, mortality, echocardiography, nutritional, and transplant status in 12 dialysis patients with HIV and 32 without HIV followed at our center between February 2002 and February 2007. Body mass index (BMI) was lower and Kt/V higher in HIV than in non-HIV patients. Shortening fraction was significantly lower in HIV patients. There were six deaths in the HIV group and one in the non-HIV group over the study period. Hemodialysis (HD) is the prevalent mode of RRT in HIV in urban settings, and its adequacy as measured by Kt/V was higher in HIV patients than in non-HIV patients. Decreased BMI and cardiovascular disease may be associated with increased mortality in children with HIV on RRT.

Racial and ethnic disparities in end-stage kidney failure-survival paradoxes in African-Americans.

The risk of death is nearly 45% lower in African-Americans than Caucasians undergoing chronic hemodialysis. In light of the higher mortality rate in African-Americans in the general US population, this paradox requires explanation and further investigation. Factors that may contribute to this survival advantage include a younger age at which African-Americans arrive at end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the slightly higher body mass index. On the other hand, factors, such as lower residual renal function, lower mean hemoglobin and hematocrit, increased prevalence of hypertension, a higher prevalence of catheter use for initial dialysis, and generally lower dose of dialysis should put African-Americans on dialysis at a higher risk of death. This survival advantage seems to be completely annulled with a successful renal transplant. Finally, it should be noted that ESRD carries with it a very high mortality rate in all racial and ethnic groups. A successful renal transplant improves but does not restore the expected remaining life times. Therefore, aggressive approach is required in investigating the factors that confer such high mortality risk on ESRD patients.

The impact of HIV on chronic kidney disease outcomes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known complication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but outcomes among HIV-infected patients with kidney disease are unknown. We studied a national sample of 202,927 patients with CKD (stage 3 or higher) for death, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the mean annual rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a median period of 3.8 years. Within this sample, 0.3% of the patients were diagnosed with HIV, 43.5% were diabetic, whereas the remainder had neither disease. In this national CKD cohort, HIV-infected black patients were at higher risk of death, a similar risk for ESRD and loss of eGFR than black patients with diabetes. HIV-infected white patients experienced higher rates of death but a lower risk of ESRD than their counterparts with diabetes. Our results highlight a need to study mortality and mechanisms of ESRD in the HIV infected population.