Prevalence of renal dysfunction among HIV infected patients receiving Tenofovir at Mulago: a cross-sectional study

Background There is an increasing burden of non-communicable disease globally. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the most commonly prescribed antiretroviral drug globally. Studies show that patients receiving TDF are more prone to renal dysfunction at some point in time during treatment. Evaluation of kidney function is not routinely done in most HIV public clinics. Identification of renal dysfunction is key in resource constrained settings because managing patients with end stage renal disease is costly. Method This was a cross-sectional study conducted at an outpatient clinic in 2018 involving patients on TDF for at least 6 months who were 18 years or older. Patients with documented kidney disease and pregnancy were excluded. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-Epi formula. Renal dysfunction was defined as any of the following; either eGFR2,or proteinuria of ≥2+ on urine dipstick, glycosuria with normal blood glucose. Electrolyte abnormalities were also documented. Results We enrolled 278 participants. One hundred sixty nine (60.8%) were females, majority 234(84.2%) were Conclusions The prevalence of renal dysfunction was low though some participants had hypocalcaemia. Screening for kidney disease should be done in symptomatic HIV infected patients on TDF.