Microalbuminuria among HIV-infected patients from a tertiary health facility in northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Microalbuminuria and gradual reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are some of the early manifestations of renal involvement in HIV/AIDS. Therefore, early detection of microalbuminuria provides an opportunity to identify individuals at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, creating a platform for the institution of preventive measures and optimization of comorbid conditions. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in HIV/AIDS-infected adults in a tertiary heath institution in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 750 participants including 250 highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated and 250 HAART-naive HIV/AIDS participants and 250 age-matched controls. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant demographic and clinical information. Blood and urine samples were collected for serum creatinine and urinary albumin and creatinine measurements, respectively, and the results were collated and analyzed. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.0 with level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of microalbuminuria among HIV/AIDS-infected participants was 20.6% when compared with 4.0% for the control group with statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). HAART-treated and HAART-naive groups have prevalence of 18.4% and 22.8%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.22). Low CD4 count and estimated GFR <90/mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with the development of microalbuminuria. Conclusion: This study has shown that microalbuminuria is common among both HAART-treated and HAART-naive HIV/AIDS patients. Screening for microalbuminuria is recommended in all HIV/AIDS patients to allow for early detection of renal damage.