Approach to Acute Kidney Injury in HIV-infected Patients in South Africa

Background: HIV-infected patients have an increased risk of renal disease. Current first-line antiretroviral therapy contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which has nephrotoxic potential, characterised by proximal tubular cell injury. This may result in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease or partial or complete Fanconi syndrome.

Objectives: We reviewed the existing literature on acute kidney injury and TDF-associated nephrotoxicity with the aim of providing an approach to diagnosis and management, which is relevant to a general medical practitioner.

Methods: We performed a broad literature search of biomedical databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect. Our search terms included, but were not limited to, 'tenofovir', 'nephrotoxicity', 'HIV', 'acute kidney injury' and 'renal tubular acidosis'.Our aim was not to generate a systematic literature review with weighted evidence, but rather to provide a review of best practice from a variety of sources. Where published studies were not available from the above databases, we relied on relevant textbooks and professional guidelines.

Results: Potential nephrotoxicity is not an impediment to the widespread use of TDF in treating HIV infection, because most patients will tolerate the medication well. However, patients with advanced disease, low body weight, advanced age, pre-existing kidney disease and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic medications are at increased risk of adverse renal events and may develop severe complications if not appropriately managed. These risk factors are unfortunately common in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.

Conclusion: Prevention of renal damage by means of careful screening and monitoring of high-risk patients is of paramount importance. Increased awareness of this problem and knowledge of how to manage kidney disease should be emphasised for general medical practitioners who work with HIV-infected patients.