HIV - Nephropathy in children - Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Renal disease associated with HIV infection has been well documented in adults. Although data in children is still limited, renal disease does occur in the Paediatric population. HIV-nephropathy has been reported in adults in Nigeria but there has been no report yet in Children[1]. This has been the experience globally. The limited data obtained in children reveal that 30% to 55% will have renal disease or urinary and electrolyte abnormalities sometime during the course of their illness[2],[3] and 3% to 29% will have more definite evidence of renal disease[3],[4]. Earlier reports suggested that HIV infection in children was usually rapidly fatal but with improved facilities for treatment and familiarity with the disease there is increased life expectancy now in these children. Hence renal manifestations of the disorder have been recognised more frequently.[3] Recent reports have revealed that 350,000 children have died of AIDS this year (1996) and that 63% of people with AIDS live in black Africa.[5] Studies have confirmed also that even after excluding intravenous drug users, black persons comprise 89% of patients with HlV-associated nephropathy.[6] This racial preponderance in blacks was even found to be more profound in children, whereby 94% of children with HIV-nephropathy were black.[2],[4] The reason for this apparent predilection is unknown. The aim of this communication is to create an awareness of this complication in children since more cases of HIV infection are now being identified.