Human immunodeficiency virus-1 associated nephropathy (HIVAN): epidemiology, pathogenesis, histology, diagnosis, and medical management

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a very distinct, unique, clinico-pathological syndrome, and a structural type of renal failure that is the most common cause of chronic renal failure in patients who are HIV-seropositive. Early referral and a long-term, primary care approach can improve patient outcomes. Careful adjustments of prescription doses with regularly scheduled, and at times frequent, laboratory testing will yield, optimal health, improve the quality of life, and most importantly, will decrease the incidence of morbidity and mortality in those individuals afflicted with both HIV and HIVAN.