The Effects of Anti-Retroviral Therapy on Some Renal Parameters of HivSero-Positive Individuals in Rivers State, Nigeria

^*1Ajuru, Gospel, ²Ifenkwe, John Chimerenka, ¹Akujuru, Eugene

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

²Department of Chemical Pathology, Health Check Integrated Services, 193 Chief Melford Okilo Way, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author: Ajuru, Gospel; condolencefh@gmail.com, Tel.: +2348033366252

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of antiretroviral therapy on some renal parameters of HIV seropositive individuals in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 300 HIV patients, who are undergoing treatment were recruited in this study, aged 20-70 years. They were classified into three groups; Group 1 was made up of HIV sero-Positive infected individuals on highly antiretroviral therapy as the test subjects. Group 2 was HIV sero-Positive infected individual but not on highly active antiretroviral therapy as control 1. Group 3 was HIV sero-negative individual as control 2. Ethical approval for the study and informed consent from the participants was obtained. Renal parameters evaluated were Urea, Creatinine, Na, K, Ca, HCO₃ and uric acid. The results of the renal parameters were statistically significantly higher (P<0.05) in Na, K, HC03, Urea, creatinine and Ca of test subject and control I. compared to control II. Also, statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in Na, K, HC03, urea, Creatinine and Ca, of the test subject and control 1 compared to control II. In relation to sex there was also statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in Na, K, HCo3, urea, creatinine, Ca of test subject and control I compared to control II in relation to Age group groups. Based on duration of therapy, for HIV positive patients who have been on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for 0-2 years, there were no significant increase (P<0.005) in Na and calcium level, however there was statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in K, HC03, urea, creatinine, Ca. For 10 years and above, there was statistically significant increase (p<+0.05) in Na, K, HC03, urea, creatinine, Ca, compared to their respective control I and control II. This study demonstrated that long term administration of HAART to HIV infected positive subjects could lead to metabolic disorder which could predispose the patient to high risk of coronary heart disease. 

Keywords: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, HIV infections, HIV sero-negative individual, HIV seropositive individuals, Renal parameters