Biomarkers of impaired renal function

Abstract

Purpose of review: Renal disease is increasingly common as life expectancy of HIV-infected persons continues to improve. Several biomarkers are available for monitoring renal function, although no consensus exists on how best to apply these tools in HIV infection. This review describes recent findings for the more common renal biomarkers.

Recent findings: Although widely used in clinical practice, creatinine-based estimates of glomerular filtration rate have not been validated in HIV infection. Serum cystatin C has been proposed as a more sensitive marker of renal dysfunction in HIV infection, although it may also reflect systemic inflammation. Screening for proteinuria and albuminuria allows identification of patients at higher risk of kidney disease and other adverse outcomes. Fanconi syndrome, which has been associated with tenofovir use, is associated with severe tubular proteinuria, and several low molecular weight proteins, including retinol-binding protein, β2-microglobulin, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin have been studied as markers of tubular dysfunction. Studies have reported a high prevalence of subclinical proximal tubular dysfunction in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Summary: Future studies are needed to determine the optimal biomarkers for the detection and monitoring of renal disease in HIV.