Effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on renal function of HIV-infected under-fives in Southern Nigeria

Background: Toxicities from antiretrovirals caused clinically-relevant organ damage.

Objective: Study aimed at monitoring effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on kidney of HIV-infected under-fives in Southern Nigeria.

Methods: In Southern Nigeria, 238 under-fives were recruited. Institutional approval and written consent were obtained. Group A consisted of 91 HIV-infected children on HAART. Group B1 consisted of 24 HIVexposed infants born to breast feeding HIV-mothers on HAART, who received nevirapine for first 6-week of life. Group B2 (18) and B3 (48) consisted of HIV-exposed children on co-trimoxazole at age 6-month and 18- month respectively. Group C consisted of 11 HIV-infected children on co-trimoxazole. Group D consisted of 46 seronegative children. A 2ml blood was collected from each participant during first phase of the study and ® was analysed for creatinine using Randox kits. Group A returned for second and third phase of the study after 3 and 6 months respectively. Data was analysed by using ANOVA.

Results: Creatinine clearance was highest in group A (102.6±82.9ml/min/1.732m ) suggesting normal renal function. Second phase, creatinine clearance of group A was reduced by 8.7% (p>0.05). Third phase, creatinine clearance was reduced by 25.4% (p<0.05) suggesting reduced renal function.

Conclusion: HAART was significantly associated with reduced renal function among HIV-infected under-fives in Southern Nigeria.