HIV-Associated Nephropathies

In 1984, a distinct nephropathy was described in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in New York and Miami. The nephropathy is typically characterized by a severe nephrotic syndrome. The proteinuria can be of sudden onset and can lead to profound hypoalbuminemia. Renal insufficiency is often evident when the patient is first encountered, and it progresses rapidly to end-stage renal failure. Peripheral edema and hypertension are often minimal or absent. The kidneys are of normal size or enlarged. Because the nephropathy can be the first manifestation of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) before AIDS develops, the disorder…