ABSTRACT
There is scarcity of Indian studies as far as the renal spectrum in HIV is concerned and there is no data regarding the detection of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in HIV positive patients in Jammu region. The present prospective study was conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu over a period of 1 year on 108 HIV/AIDS patients, out of which 71% were males and 29% females with a male:female ratio of 2.48:1. Highest incidence of HIV/AIDS (55.56%) was found in the age group of 26-35 years. Microalbuminuria was present in 21% HIV patients with majority (60.87%) being in the age group 26-35 years. Prevalence of microalbuminuria among males was 65.22% and among females 34.78% with 83% patients having microalbuminuria/urinary creatinine ratio of >10 mg/mmol and 17% having this ratio <10 mg/mmol. There was a significant correlation between CD4 count <200/ l and presence of microalbuminuria (p = 0.01). Significant proteinuria (0.15- 3 g/24 hour) was found in only 3 of those patients found positive for microalbuminuria. No patients had protein/creatinine ratio >3.5 (nephrotic range). Nephropathy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive patients. Use of microalbuminuria as a routine screening test in those who are HIV positive is recommended. Simple tests, like microalbuminuria, if applied in these patients in the very screening phase can help benefit the patients for years to come thereby helping in fighting the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in a better and a stronger way.