HIV and the Kidney: What the Anaesthesiologist Should Know

Abstract

It is estimated that 20–25% of HIV-positive patients will require surgery at some stage during their illness. In a study conducted among patients presenting for theatre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2006, a prevalence of HIV infection of 30% was found. In one subgroup, the prevalence was as high as 43%. Thirty percent of these patients (10% of the study population) had a CD4 count of < 200 cells/μL.

With the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART), the focus of attention in HIV positive patients has shifted from opportunistic infections to the chronic comorbidities associated with HIV. HIV is a multisystem disease, and it has been recognised that the prevalence of renal disease is increasing in the ageing HIV population.