HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a kidney disease that occurs as a result of HIV infection. It is characterized by damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. This condition typically affects individuals with advanced HIV infection, particularly those who have not received adequate treatment or have poorly controlled HIV.
HIVAN is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including the direct effects of the HIV virus, the viral proteins and genetic changes it induces, as well as the body's immune response to the infection. These factors contribute to inflammation and scarring of the kidney tissue, resulting in proteinuria (the presence of excessive protein in urine), decreased urine production, and eventually, kidney failure.
Symptoms of HIVAN may include fluid retention, swelling in the legs and ankles, high blood pressure, decreased urine output, and fatigue. For diagnosis, healthcare professionals typically perform blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, as well as kidney biopsies to identify the characteristic pathological changes associated with HIVAN.
Management of HIVAN involves a multidisciplinary approach, including antiretroviral therapy to control HIV infection, blood pressure control through medications, and dietary modifications to reduce the workload on the kidneys. In some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary if kidney function cannot be adequately restored.
Overall, HIVAN is a serious complication of advanced HIV infection that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease.
