title: Renal diseases associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection: epidemiology, clinical course, and management.
abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)--associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and other glomerular lesions (e.g., immunoglobulin A nephropathy and immune complex glomerulonephritis) are frequent complications of HIV infection. These renal diseases usually present as a nephrotic syndrome with progressive loss of renal function and an increased risk of mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of these renal lesions remain largely undefined; however, most studies agree that black race is a major risk factor for HIVAN. Observational studies have suggested that antiretroviral medications and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have beneficial effects on slowing the progression of renal disease among patients with HIVAN; however, little is known about the effect of these therapies on other renal lesions. Future research should focus on gaining a better understanding of the distribution and determinants of renal disease among HIV-infected patients as well as on performing controlled studies to test treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. szcze001@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Szczech
mesh_terms: D016263:AIDS-Associated Nephropathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D011241:Prednisone