Relationship Between Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate And Microalbuminura In Hiv/aids Patients: The Kano Experience

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the major complications that may occur in HIV/AIDS, usually manifesting as reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria. Microalbuminuria as an early marker of CKD may help in the early identification of those at risk of CKD in this cohort of patients, allowing for early institution of appropriate measures. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between microalbuminuria and different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in HIV/AIDS adult patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 HIV/AIDS participants. Basic biodata was documented. Blood samples for serum creatinine and urine samples for urinary albumin and creatinine measurements were collected. Urinary and serum creatinine levels were determined using the Jaffe reaction, and urine albumin was measured using the turbidimetric immunoassay. The eGFR was calculated using Cockcroft and Gault formular and results were interpreted using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria. Comparison of categorical variables for associations was conducted using Fisher exact test. Pearson correlation was done to determine the strength of the relationship between eGFR and microalbuminuria. Results: Estimated Glomerular filtration <60ml/min/1.73m2 showed a statistically significant association with microalbuminuria on bivariate analysis but was found not to be an independent predictor of microalbuminuria with, at best, a weak negative correlation between the two variables. Conclusion: eGFR is not an independent predictor of microalbuminuria in HIV/AIDS patients.