Evaluation of microalbumin, cystatin c, creatinine and uric acid levels in HIV patients in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi

This study evaluated the microalbumin, cystatin C, creatinine and uric acid levels in HIV patients in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi (NAUTH). A total of one hundred (100) male and female HIV positive and control participants who were aged between 18 and 60 years attending the voluntary counseling and testing unit (VCT) and antiretroviral therapy unit (ART) of NAUTH were randomly recruited for the study and grouped thus: Group A (HIV positive symptomatic participants on long term ART (HPSPLTART) (n= 25); Group B (HIV positive symptomatic participants on short term ART (HPSPSTART) (n= 25); Group C: Asymptomatic HIV positive participants NOT on ART (AHPPNART) (n=25) and Group D: control (n=25).6mls of blood sample and 10mls of freshly voided urine samples were collected from each of the participants for the evaluation of biochemical parameters using standard laboratory methods. Results showed significantly higher BMI and SBP in HPSPSTART than in control (p=0.04; 0.02). SBP was significantly higher in HPSPLTART than in AHPPNART and Control (p=0.00). DBP was significantly higher in HPSPLTART than in HPSPSTART and control respectively (p=0.00). There were significantly higher plasma creatinine and Cys-C levels in both male HIV positives and male HIV positive participants on ART than in both females respectively (p0.00; 0.02). Also, BMI, creatinine, uric acid and Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in male HIV negative participants than in female HIV negative participants (p=0.00; 0.04; 0.02; 0.01). This study has revealed greater risk for renal disease among the HIV participants studied.