Michael Edwards
1 
, Patrick Linden
1 , Anindya Banerjee
2* 1 Core Medical Trainee, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, United Kingdom
2 Consultant Nephrologist, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, United Kingdom
Abstract
HIV immune complex disease of the kidney (HIVICK) is a rare but increasingly well-recognised cause of renal dysfunction and proteinuria in HIV-positive patients. A 56-year-old man with known HIV, diabetes mellitus type 2, liver cirrhosis and previous Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presented with a labile estimated glomerular filtration rate and significant proteinuria. Electron microscopy from a renal biopsy identified capillary wall deposition for IgG, IgM, Kappa, Lambda and focal C1q consistent with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and associated immune complex disease. A second opinion of the images confirmed the diagnosis of HIVICK. The increased recognition of HIVICK in HIV patients should prompt further research into the causes and treatment options available.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
Nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in patients with HIV can be due to a number of causes - both HIV-independent and HIVassociated. Complete suppression of HIV viral load does not eradicate the risk of an HIV-related nephropathy. The increased recognition of HIV immune complex disease of the kidney in HIV patients should prompt further research into the causes and treatment options available.
Please cite this paper as: Edwards M, Linden P, Banerjee A. A case of nephrotic syndrome secondary to HIV immune complex kidney disease. J Nephropathol. 2021;10(1):e09. DOI: 10.34172/jnp.2021.09.