Incidence of persistent renal dysfunction in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children: associations with the use of antiretrovirals, and other nephrotoxic medications and risk factors

Microalbuminuria in Perinatally HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents in the United States

Background

The kidney is a common target for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), making renal disease a common noninfectious complication of HIV. Microalbuminuria is an important marker that can detect early renal damage. Timely detection of microalbuminuria is important to initiate renal management and stop the progression of renal dysfunction in people with HIV. Limited data are available about renal abnormalities in people with perinatal HIV infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected children and young adults receiving combination antiretroviral therapy and investigate correlations between microalbuminuria and clinical and laboratory findings.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 71 patients with HIV followed in an urban pediatric HIV clinic in Houston, Texas, between October 2007 and August 2016. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between subjects with persistent microalbuminuria (PM) and those without. PM is defined as a microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g on at least 2 occasions separated by at least 1 month.

Results

Sixteen of 71 patients (23%) met the definition of PM. In univariate analysis, patients with PM had significantly higher CD8⁺ T-cell activation and lower CD4⁺ T-cell nadir. Multivariate analysis demonstrated increased microalbuminuria to be independently associated with older age and CD8⁺ T-cell activation measured as CD8⁺HLA-DR⁺ T-cell percentage.

Conclusions

Older age and increased activation of CD8⁺HLA-DR⁺ on T cells correlate with presence of microalbuminuria in this cohort of HIV-infected patients.

Acylcarnitines and Genetic Variation in Fat Oxidation Genes in HIV-infected, Antiretroviral-treated Children With and Without Myopathy

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial toxicity resulting in myopathy and lactic acidosis has been described in antiretroviral (ARV)-exposed patients. We hypothesized that myopathy in HIV-infected, ARV-treated children would be associated with metabolic (acylcarnitines) and genetic (variants in metabolic genes) markers of dysfunctional fatty acid oxidation (FAO).

METHODS

Acylcarnitine profiles (ACP) were analyzed for 74 HIV-infected children on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-containing ARV. Thirty-seven participants with ≥2 creatine kinase measurements >500 IU (n = 18) or evidence of echocardiographic cardiomyopathy (n = 19) were matched with 37 participants without myopathy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FAO genes were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Abnormal ACP was 73% (95% CI: 56%-86%) and 62% (95% CI: 45%-78%) in the myopathic and nonmyopathic groups, respectively. No significant association was found between myopathy and having an abnormal ACP (OR = 2.10, P = 0.22). In univariate analysis, a 1-year increase in NRTI use was associated with a 20% increase in odds of at least 1 ACP abnormality [OR (95% CI) = 1.20 (1.03-1.41); P = 0.02), and a 1-year increase in protease inhibitor use was associated with 28% increase in the odds of having at least 1 ACP abnormality [OR (95% CI) = 1.28 (1.07-1.52); P = 0.006). Three SNPs, all in the gene for the carnitine transporter ( SLC22A5 ), were associated with the cardiomyopathy phenotype.

CONCLUSION

FAO appears to be altered in HIV-infected children with and without myopathy, but abnormal FAO does not fully explain myopathy in ARV-exposed children. Further study of SLC22A5 variation in ARV-exposed people is warranted carnitine transporter dysfunction-related cardiomyopathy may be treatable.

Prevalence of Renal Disease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children in Calabar, Nigeria

Renal disease is increasingly being reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with or without antiretroviral drugs. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of renal disease in HIV-infected children with or without treatment in Calabar, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 146 consecutive HIV-infected children seen at the pediatric HIV clinic of General Hospital Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, aged six weeks to 15 years, was carried out from February 1 to September 30, 2015. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by interviewing parents and from medical records of each subject. Clinical examination, anthropometry (weight and height), and blood pressure were done on each child. Each child's urine was tested for persistent proteinuria using combi-10-urinalysis strips. All negative urine samples had urine albumin and urine creatinine determined using immunoturbidimetric assay and Jaffe kinetic reaction, respectively; hence, the urine albumin and urine creatinine ratio was calculated. The serum creatinine of each subject was estimated and used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using Schwartz formula. Renal disease was defined by persistent proteinuria >+1 on dipstick or urine protein-creatinine ratio >0.2, decreased eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and presence of microalbuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio >30-300 mg/g). Data were analyzed using IBM SSPS Statistics version 20.0, and P ≤0.05 was statistically significant. A total of 146 children were recruited. Eighty-five (58.2%) were male and 61 (41.8%) were female giving a male:female ratio of 1:0.7. Fifty-three (36.3%) had renal disease, 48 (32.9%) had microalbuminuria, and five (3.4%) had persistent proteinuria. There was no significant association between renal disease and severe HIV disease (P >0.05), highly active antiretroviral therapy treatment (P >0.05), and duration of treatment (P >0.05). Renal disease is common in HIV-infected children with or without medication. Hence, they should be screened for renal disease at diagnosis and periodically.

Brief Report: Subclinical Kidney Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

Most of the kidney dysfunction in HIV-positive children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is attributed to tenofovir. There is a paucity of data on kidney dysfunction in tenofovir-naive children. The primary objective was to know the point prevalence of albuminuria and β2-microglobulinuria in HIV-infected children aged 3-18 years receiving ART. Albuminuria and β2-microglobulinuria were used as surrogates for glomerular and tubular dysfunction, respectively. The secondary objective was to determine their predictors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study-design.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive HIV-positive children (3-18 years) on ART were included. Spot urine sample was analyzed for urinary creatinine, total protein, microalbumin, and β2-microglobulin. Albuminuria was defined as albumin to creatinine ratio of >30 mg/g; proteinuria as urine dipstick ≥trace or spot urine protein to creatinine ratio (uPCR) of ≥0.2. β2-microglobulinuria was defined as β2-microglobulin levels of >350 µg/L.

RESULTS

There were 71 boys and 29 girls. Most of the children had WHO clinical stage I and were getting zidovudine-based regimen. Only 7 children were getting tenofovir. estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and serum creatinine were normal in all children. Approximately half (48%) had renal dysfunction in the form of glomerular dysfunction (26%), tubular dysfunction (27%), or both (5%). Age at diagnosis was significantly associated with β2-microglobulinuria (P = 0.044). None of the selected variables were associated with albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-associated glomerular and tubular dysfunction is common in children receiving ART other than tenofovir. The standard guidelines should consider including routine urinary biomarker monitoring in children on ART.

HIV-Associated CKDs in Children and Adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Limited information is available describing the current prevalence of proteinuria and HIV-associated CKDs (HIV-CKDs) in children and adolescents living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy in the United States.

METHODS

To address this issue, we performed a retrospective study of children and adolescents living with HIV who received medical care at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, between January 2012 and July 2019. Demographic data, clinical parameters (mode of HIV transmission, viral loads, CD4 cell counts, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate [GFR], plasma lipid levels, proteinuria, blood pressure, renal biopsies), and medical treatments, all done as a standard of clinical care, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of the 192 patients enrolled were of African descent (88%) and acquired HIV through vertical transmission (97%). The prevalence of all HIV-CKDs was 6%. Of these patients, 39% had intermittent or persistent proteinuria, and 7% percent had proteinuria with a mild decline in GFR (60-80 ml/min per 1.73 m2), and 6% had a mild decline in GFR without proteinuria. Documented hypertension was present in 6% of the patients, mainly in association with HIV-CKD. Patients with persistent proteinuria (3%) and biopsy-proven HIV-CKD had a slow but constant progression of their renal diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of persistent proteinuria and HIV-CKD was lower than that reported in previous studies conducted in the United States. However, intermittent proteinuria, mild reductions in GFR, and progression of established HIV-CKD were common findings in this group of patients with predominantly vertically acquired HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Fractures in children and adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV

BACKGROUND

Across numerous settings, bone mineral density for age and sex is lower in children/adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) compared to uninfected peers. We assessed incidences of any fracture/any long bone fracture, and osteoporosis prevalence in PHIV and HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) participants in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS).

METHODOLOGY

Lifetime history of fracture events from birth up to age 20 years was obtained by chart review and/or interview, including age at fracture, mechanism, and bone(s) fractured. Poisson regression models were fit comparing fracture incidence by HIV status adjusted for age, sex, and race, with effect modification by age (<6, ≥6 yr).

RESULTS

PHIV (N = 412) were older (median 17.5 vs 16.7 yr) and more frequently reported black race (72% vs 61%) than PHEU children/adolescents (N = 206). 17% of PHIV and 12% of PHEU ever reported a fracture. Among children <6 yr, the adjusted incidence rate ratio of ≥1 fracture was higher (7.23; 95% CI 0.98, 53.51) in PHIV than PHEU, but similar among children/adolescents ≥6 years (1.20; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.87). Results were similar for long bone fracture. The most common fracture mechanisms were falling to the ground from a standing height (23.6% PHIV vs 8.8% PHEU) and sports injuries (21.3% vs 32.4%), and the most commonly fractured sites were the forearm and small bones of the wrist/hands. None of the children had osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children/adolescents ≥6 yr of age, fractures were similar by perinatal HIV status. Prospective, targeted collection of fracture history will be necessary to determine rates of fracture as PHIV and PHEU age into adulthood.

SUMMARY

Lifetime fracture history was collected in children/adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) and HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) children from birth up to age 20 years. Fracture incidence was higher in PHIV compared to PHEU among children <6 years old, but not among older children/adolescents.

Pharmacotherapeutic options for kidney disease in HIV positive patients

INTRODUCTION

Since the developmentof combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated mortality and the incidence of HIV-associated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has decreased. However, in the United States, an increase in non-HIV-associated kidney diseases within the HIV-positive population is expected.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors highlight the risk factors for kidney disease within an HIV-positive population and provide the current recommendations for risk stratification and for the monitoring of its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as, treatment. The article is based on literature searches using PubMed, Medline and SCOPUS.

EXPERT OPINION

The authors recommend clinicians (1) be aware of early cART initiation to prevent and treat HIV-associated kidney diseases, (2) be aware of cART side effects and discriminate those that may become more nephrotoxic than others and require dose-adjustment in the setting of eGFR ≤ 30ml/min/1.73m², (3) follow KDIGO guidelines regarding screening and monitoring for CKD with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, (4) manage other co-infections and comorbidities, (5) consider changing cART if drug induced toxicity is established with apparent eGFR decline of ≥ 10ml/min/1.73m² or rising creatinine (≥0.5mg/dl) during drug-drug interactions, and (6) strongly consider kidney transplant in appropriately selected individuals with end stage kidney failure.

Prevalence and Pattern of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Nephropathy among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Children at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

The kidney is an important target organ in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a variety of renal disorders could occur throughout the course of the disease. HIV- associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is the most common form of kidney disease resulting directly from HIV infection. The true prevalence of HIVAN among infected African children is unknown largely due to lack of surveillance and reporting. We thus aimed to determine the prevalence of HIVAN and associated factors among HIV-infected children at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Pediatric Infectious Clinic. Children aged ≤15 years were recruited through systematic random sampling. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained. Spot urine sample was analyzed using a multistix (Combi-Screen 10SL Analyticon Biotechnologies AG, Germany), and proteinuria of ≥2+ was considered significant. The CD4+ count and CD4+% (for those <5 years) were obtained using a PARTEC™ CD4+ easy count kit. The obtained data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0. A total of 250 children were recruited. Eighty-five (34%) of them had HIVAN. Sex, social class, and mode of transmission were not significantly associated with HIVAN (P >0.05). However, age, medication status (highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART]), duration on HAART, and disease severity (both clinical and immunological) all had a significant association to HIVAN (p = 0.005, 0.004, 0.008, and <0.001, respectively). These factors also showed a positive but weak correlation to HIVAN; while age had the least correlation coefficient (0.157), immunological class had the highest r = 0.458. However, these relationships were all significant (P <0.5). HIVAN is highly prevalent among children living with HIV in Maiduguri. Routine screening through urina-lysis and early commencement of HAART is recommended.

Prevalence of Persistent Renal Dysfunction in Perinatally HIV-infected Thai Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Persistent renal dysfunction (PRD) has been reported in up to 22% of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHAs) in the United States and Europe. There are limited data available on PRD among PHAs in resource-limited settings regarding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) at more advanced HIV stages.

METHODS

We retrospectively described the prevalence of PRD and associated factors in a Thai PHA cohort. Inclusion criteria were current age ≥10 years old and at least 2 serum creatinine (Cr) measurements after ART initiation. Cr and urine examination were performed every 6-12 months. PRD was defined as having ≥2 measurements of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); either <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or elevated Cr for age and eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2, or proteinuria (dipstick proteinuria ≥1+). Factors associated with PRD were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

This study included 255 PHAs with median (interquartile range) age of 16.7 (14.5-18.8) and ART duration of 10.3 (7.1-12.4) years. Fifty-six percentage used boosted protease inhibitor (bPI)-based regimens, and 63% used tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The overall PRD prevalence was 14.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.1-19.0]; low eGFR 6.7%, proteinuria 3.5% and both 3.9%. Among 109 users of TDF with bPI, 22.9% had PRD and 2.8% discontinued/adjusted dosing of TDF because of nephrotoxicity. Factors associated with PRD were age 10-15 years old (adjusted odd ratio (aOR): 10.1, 95% CI: 4.1-25.2), male (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4-7.7), CD4 nadir <150 cells/mm (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.1) and use of TDF with bPI (aOR: 9.6, 95% CI: 3.2-28.9).

CONCLUSIONS

PRD is common among PHAs. Almost one-fifth of adolescents using TDF with bPI had PRD. These adolescents should be a priority group for renal monitoring.

A review of renal disease in children with HIV infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. HIV-infected individuals are now surviving for a relatively longer period and this is because of easy accessibility to antiretroviral therapy these days. As a result, chronic disease-related complications are now being recognized more often. Kidney disease in HIV-infected children can vary from glomerular to tubular-interstitial involvement. We searched the database to identify various kidney diseases seen in HIV-infected children. We describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical and laboratory manifestations, management and outcome of commonly seen kidney disease in HIV-infected children. We also provide a brief overview of toxicity of antiretroviral drugs seen in HIV-infected children. Kidney involvement in HIV-infected children may arise because of HIV infection per se, opportunistic infections, immune mediated injury and drug toxicity. HIV-associated nephropathy is perhaps the most common and most severe form of kidney disease. Proteinuria may be a cost-effective screening test in the long-term management of HIV-infected children, however, there are no definite recommendations for the same. Other important renal diseases are HIV immune complex kidney disease, thrombotic microangiopathy, interstitial nephritis and vasculitis.

Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Bone and Renal Health in Young Adults Infected With HIV in Early Life

Context

HIV antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is associated with renal and bone toxicity, but little is known about the potential cumulative effects in adults exposed to ARVs from birth.

Objective

To prospectively evaluate renal and bone health in young adults with lifelong HIV and extensive ARV exposure.

Design

Cross-sectional comparison of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone turnover, and renal function in young adults infected with HIV in early life (n = 65) to matched healthy controls (n = 23) and longitudinal evaluation (mean follow-up = 4.4 years) within a subset of the HIV cohort (n = 33).

Setting

Government outpatient research clinic.

Results

Albumin/creatinine ratio, protein/creatinine ratio, anion gap, N-terminal telopeptides, and osteocalcin were significantly increased in persons with HIV compared with controls, whereas whole-body BMD and BMD z scores were lower. Within the HIV group, duration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) correlated with higher anion gap but did not correlate with bone parameters. Longer duration of didanosine and stavudine use correlated with lower BMD and BMD z scores. Longitudinal analyses revealed that BMD and bone metabolism significantly improved over time. No subject had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60, but decline in eGFR correlated with increasing years of TDF exposure.

Conclusions

Subclinical markers of renal dysfunction were increased in HIV-infected young adults and associated with TDF exposure, whereas lower bone density was associated with didanosine and stavudine exposure. The tendency for improvement in markers of bone health over time and the availability of less toxic ARV alternatives may herald improvements in renal and bone health for perinatally infected patients in adulthood.

Impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on bone metabolism and bone mass among perinatally HIV-infected Asian adolescents

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on bone metabolism and bone mass in HIV-infected adolescents.

METHODS

This was a sub-study of a cross-sectional multicentre bone health trial that enrolled perinatally HIV-infected Thai and Indonesian adolescents (10-18 years) with viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy. Participants were classified into two groups as TDF users and non-users. Bone metabolism-related markers (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD], intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], bone turnover biomarkers), and lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were assessed. Bone mineral density (BMD)/bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) Z-scores were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 394 adolescents, 136 (34.5%) and 258 (65.5%) were TDF users and non-users, respectively. Among TDF users, median age (IQR) was 16.1 (14.7-17.4) years and TDF treatment duration (IQR) was 2.3 (1.4-3.1) years. Among TDF non-users, median age (IQR) was 14.3 (12.6-16.4) years. BMD and BMAD Z-scores comparing TDF users with non-users were -0.8 and -0.6 (P=0.27), and -0.3 and -0.2 (P=0.58), respectively. The association between TDF use and iPTH elevation was intensified in adolescents with suboptimal vitamin D levels (25-OHD <30 ng/ml; P=0.001). TDF administration was positively associated with bone resorption marker (P=0.04) and negatively associated with bone formation marker (P=0.04). With data up to 4 years, neither association between TDF use and bone mass loss (BMD: P=0.09; BMAD: P=0.22), nor variation of bone mass Z-scores by TDF treatment duration (BMD: P=0.34; BMAD: P=0.58) was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent TDF administration was correlated with PTH elevation and bone turnover dysregulation but not with bone mass reduction in our cohort. A study with extended follow-up to ascertain TDF-associated bone mass deterioration is warranted.

Long-term renal effects of tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate in vertically HIV-infected children, adolescents, and young adults: a 132-month follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy has led to a significant decline in morbidity and mortality. Although several studies in adult populations have shown that tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate (TDF) use is associated with a significant loss of renal function, there is still uncertainty on the long-term TDF safety profile in pediatric HIV populations, mostly in vertically HIV-infected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term TDF renal safety profile, during a ten-year follow up.

METHODS

Twenty-six vertically HIV-infected patients were evaluated for a total of 132 months of follow up, monitoring anthropometric parameters, renal function, viral load and CD4+ count. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the changes in anthropometric and laboratory variables. Multivariable fractional polynomials were used to test for the existence of non-linear relationships of outcomes with time and other continuous covariates. In all patients, weight, height and body mass index increased linearly with time. CD4+ count and glomerular filtration rate decreased linearly with time (p < 0.01).

RESULTS

No significant increase of serum creatinine was registered. An inverse linear relationship between time and plasma phosphate was found. Hypophosphatemia was detected in 17 patients, mostly mild. In 14 out of 17 we also genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms rs717620 mapping in ABCC2, a gene encoding for a renal transporter.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the relative safety of prolonged use of TDF in vertically HIV-infected children and young adults. The most relevant alteration that emerged was hypophosphatemia, appearing after 72 months of TDF therapy, mostly mild and without clinical significance.

Cystatin C: A Marker for Inflammation and Renal Function Among HIV-infected Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Renal disease is a leading cause of morbidity in HIV-infected adults in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Cystatin C has been proposed as a more sensitive marker of renal function, but it may be affected by ongoing inflammation. We aimed to study the cystatin C levels in a cohort of HIV-infected pediatric patients at 3 Spanish centers.

METHODS

This is a multicenter cross-sectional observational study. Renal function was assessed by means of first morning urine protein/creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratios and creatinine-estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFRs), together with the following inflammation markers: cystatin C, reactive C protein, β-2-microglobulin and 25(OH)-vitamin D levels. A control group of healthy children and adolescents was used.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients (51 females, median age: 13.3 years; 32 males, median age: 13.6 years) and 44 controls (24 females, median age: 12.2 years; 20 males, median age: 10.9 years) were included. Among the former, mean CD4 cell count was 860/mm, 29(35%) patients had a previous AIDS diagnosis, 73(88%) were on HAART and HIV viremia was undetectable in 61(73%). No differences in cystatin C levels were observed between the 2 groups. In HIV-infected patients, cystatin C levels correlated with GFR (r = -0.27; P = 0.01), age at first HAART (r = -0.21; P = 0.05), and β-2-microglobulin (r = 0.569; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, lower GFR (P = 0.014) and higher β-2-microglobulin levels (P = 0.001) remained as independent risk factors for higher cystatin C values.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystatin C values were associated with GFR and β-2-microglobulin. Cystatin C may be useful as a marker of renal function in HIV-infected pediatric patients, independently of ongoing inflammation or viremia.

The physical and psychological effects of HIV infection and its treatment on perinatally HIV-infected children

INTRODUCTION

As highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) transforms human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a manageable chronic disease, new challenges are emerging in treating children born with HIV, including a number of risks to their physical and psychological health due to HIV infection and its lifelong treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review to evaluate the evidence on the physical and psychological effects of perinatal HIV (PHIV+) infection and its treatment in the era of HAART, including major chronic comorbidities.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Perinatally infected children face concerning levels of treatment failure and drug resistance, which may hamper their long-term treatment and result in more significant comorbidities. Physical complications from PHIV+ infection and treatment potentially affect all major organ systems. Although treatment with antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has reduced incidence of severe neurocognitive diseases like HIV encephalopathy, perinatally infected children may experience less severe neurocognitive complications related to HIV disease and ARV neurotoxicity. Major metabolic complications include dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance, complications that are associated with both HIV infection and several ARV agents and may significantly affect cardiovascular disease risk with age. Bone abnormalities, particularly amongst children treated with tenofovir, are a concern for perinatally infected children who may be at higher risk for bone fractures and osteoporosis. In many studies, rates of anaemia are significantly higher for HIV-infected children. Renal failure is a significant complication and cause of death amongst perinatally infected children, while new data on sexual and reproductive health suggest that sexually transmitted infections and birth complications may be additional concerns for perinatally infected children in adolescence. Finally, perinatally infected children may face psychological challenges, including higher rates of mental health and behavioural disorders. Existing studies have significant methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, inappropriate control groups and heterogeneous definitions, to name a few.

CONCLUSIONS

Success in treating perinatally HIV-infected children and better understanding of the physical and psychological implications of lifelong HIV infection require that we address a new set of challenges for children. A better understanding of these challenges will guide care providers, researchers and policymakers towards more effective HIV care management for perinatally infected children and their transition to adulthood.

Contemporary issues on the epidemiology and antiretroviral adherence of HIV-infected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review

Introduction

Adolescents are a unique and sometimes neglected group in the planning of healthcare services. This is the case in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where more than eight out of ten of the world's HIV-infected adolescents live. Although the last decade has seen a reduction in AIDS-related mortality worldwide, largely due to improved access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), AIDS remains a significant contributor to adolescent mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Although inadequate access to ART in parts of the subcontinent may be implicated, research among youth with HIV elsewhere in the world suggests that suboptimal adherence to ART may play a significant role. In this article, we summarize the epidemiology of HIV among sub-Saharan African adolescents and review their adherence to ART, emphasizing the unique challenges and factors associated with adherence behaviour.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of online databases for articles, relevant abstracts, and conference reports from meetings held between 2010 and 2014. Our search terms included “adherence,” “compliance,” “antiretroviral use” and “antiretroviral adherence,” in combination with “adolescents,” “youth,” “HIV,” “Africa,” “interventions” and the MeSH term “Africa South of the Sahara.” Of 19,537 articles and abstracts identified, 215 met inclusion criteria, and 148 were reviewed.

Discussion

Adolescents comprise a substantial portion of the population in many sub-Saharan African countries. They are at particular risk of HIV and may experience worse outcomes. Although demonstrated to have unique challenges, there is a dearth of comprehensive health services for adolescents, especially for those with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. ART adherence is poorer among older adolescents than other age groups, and psychosocial, socio-economic, individual, and treatment-related factors influence adherence behaviour among adolescents in this region. With the exception of a few examples based on affective, cognitive, and behavioural strategies, most adherence interventions have been targeted at adults with HIV.

Conclusions

Although higher levels of ART adherence have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa than in other well-resourced settings, adolescents in the region may have poorer adherence patterns. There is substantial need for interventions to improve adherence in this unique population.

Metabolic and renal adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children and adolescents

Worldwide, the benefits of combined antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in morbidity and mortality due to perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection are beyond question and outweigh the toxicity these drugs have been associated with in HIV-infected children and adolescents to date. In puberty, abnormal body fat distribution is stigmatizating and leads to low adherence to ARV treatment. The other metabolic comorbidities (mitochondrial toxicity, dyslipidemias, insulin resistance and low bone mineral density) and renal toxicity, albeit nonsymptomatic in most children, are increasingly being reported and potentially put this population at risk for early cardiovascular or cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, pathologic fractures or premature renal failure in the third and fourth decades of life. Evidence from available studies is limited because of methodological limitations and also because of several HIV-unrelated factors influencing, to some degree, the development of these conditions. Current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of metabolic and renal adverse effects in HIV-children and adolescents are based on adult studies, observational pediatric studies and experts' consensus. Healthy lifestyle habits (regarding diet, exercise and refraining from toxic substances) and wise use of ARV options are the only preventive tools for the majority of patients. Should abnormal findings arise, switches in one or more ARV drugs have proved useful. Specific therapies are also available for some of these comorbidities, although the experience in the pediatric age is still very scarce. We aim to summarize the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of metabolic and renal adverse effects in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents.

Review of tenofovir use in HIV-infected children

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children ages 2 years and older and is recommended by the World Health Organization for use as a preferred first-line nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor in adults and adolescents ages 10 years and older. The simplicity of once daily dosing, few metabolic side effects and efficacy against hepatitis B virus make TDF suitable for use in a large scale program. Unlike thymidine analoge nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs); tenofovir does not induce multi-NRTI resistance mutations, so more NRTI options are available for future second-line-regimens. Fixed-dose combinations of TDF with other ARVs as a single tablet regimen are now widely available for adults and adolescents, but none are available for young children. Current information on TDF including the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability in children and adolescents was reviewed. A dosing regimen according to body-weight-band has been established for pediatric use. Safety concerns of TDF mainly relate to its effects on renal function and bone mineral density. Regular monitoring of renal function in high-risk patients, including those on other nephrotoxic drugs, may be warranted to detect adverse renal effects. Long-term-data on renal and bone outcomes among HIV-infected children is needed. Lessons learned from clinical studies will help clinicians balance the risks and benefits of TDF and design appropriate antiretroviral regimens for children in different circumstances.

Predictors of resolution and persistence of renal laboratory abnormalities in pediatric HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected youth, the role of renal disease (RD) and its management has become increasingly important as these children/adolescents mature into young adults. The identification of predictors of abnormal renal laboratory events (RLE) may be helpful in the management of their HIV infection and its associated renal complications.

METHODS

Data collected from HIV-infected youth followed for ≥ 48 months were analyzed to identify predictors of resolution versus persistence of RLE and determine the utility of RLE to predict the onset of RD. Analysis included descriptive and inferential methods using a multivariable extended Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Of the 1,874 at-risk children enrolled in the study, 428 (23 %) developed RLE, which persisted in 229 of these (54 %). CD4 percentages of <25 % [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, p < 0.002) and an HIV viral load of >100,000 copies/ml (HR 0.31, p < 0.01) were associated with reduced rates of resolution, while in most cases exposure to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)/nephrotoxic HAART prior to or subsequent to RLE were not. Persistence of RLE was 88 % sensitive for identifying new RD. Negative predictive values for RD were >95 % for both the at-risk cohort and those with RLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced HIV disease predicted persistence of RLE in HIV-infected youth. Persistent RLE were useful for identifying RD.

Clinical practice guideline for the management of chronic kidney disease in patients infected with HIV: 2014 update by the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

Short communication: kidney dysfunction among HIV-infected children in Latin America and the Caribbean

Renal toxicity is a concern in HIV-infected children receiving antiretrovirals. However, the prevalence [1.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-2.6%] and incidence of kidney dysfunction (0.17 cases/100 person-years; 95% CI: 0.04-0.30) were rare in this multicenter cohort study of 1,032 perinatally HIV-infected Latin American and Caribbean children followed from 2002 to 2011.

The role of albuminuria in the follow-up of HIV-infected pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

In HIV-infected adults, elevated albumin has been associated with increased inflammatory activity, HIV-related nephropathy, and type 2 diabetes. Data on albuminuria in HIV-infected children are very scarce, and guidelines do not include routine determination of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in this population.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of HIV-infected pediatric patients. Urinary protein/creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratios and hematuria were determined from at least three morning urine samples, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from creatinine levels. Persistent renal damage was defined according to the presence of at least two sequentially abnormal values in one of the parameters. The relationship between renal damage, HIV-related variables, and metabolic comorbidities (dyslipidemia, fat redistribution, glucose intolerance, hypertension) was investigated.

RESULTS

Symptom-free renal damage was observed in 13 of 68 patients (19.1%) and mainly consisted of persistent proteinuria (17.6%); glomerular proteinuria was twice as prevalent as tubular proteinuria. GFR were normal in all cases. No relationship between renal markers and HIV-related variables or metabolic comorbidities was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild proteinuria affected approximately one fifth of patients in our cohort. The determination of albuminuria allowed the differentiation between glomerular and tubular proteinuria, although no relationship with metabolic comorbidities was observed.

Study of the association between the BMP4 gene and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of different phenotypes for congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in a Brazilian sample, and to evaluate the association between the CAKUT phenotypes and the BMP4 gene.

METHODS

In this study, 457 Brazilian individuals were analyzed in an attempt to establish the association between the BMP4 gene and the CAKUT diagnosis. A case-control sample was genotyped for three BMP4 gene polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Association data was established with CAKUT sample as a whole and with the three most important CAKUT phenotypes: multicystic dysplastic kidney disease (MDK), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). When the sample was segregated in these three phenotypes, associations between the BMP4 gene were observed with UPJO and with MDK. Conversely, VUR was not associated to the polymorphisms of the BMP4 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest that Brazilian individuals with polymorphisms of the BMP4 gene have a higher risk to develop CAKUT, especially the malformations related to nephrogenesis and initial branching such as MDK and UPJO. Conversely, VUR appeared not to be related to BMP4 gene.

Kidney disease in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV-1 infection

Introduction

Involvement of the kidney in children and adolescents with perinatal (HIV-1) infection can occur at any stage during the child's life with diverse diagnoses, ranging from acute kidney injury, childhood urinary tract infections (UTIs), electrolyte imbalances and drug-induced nephrotoxicity, to diseases of the glomerulus. The latter include various immune-mediated chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN).

Discussion

The introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically reduced the incidence of HIVAN, once the commonest form of CKD in children of African descent living with HIV, and also altered its prognosis from eventual progression to end-stage kidney disease to one that is compatible with long-term survival. The impact of HAART on the outcome of other forms of kidney diseases seen in this population has not been as impressive. Increasingly important is nephrotoxicity secondary to the prolonged use of anti-retroviral agents, and the occurrence of co-morbid kidney disease unrelated to HIV infection or its treatment. Improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and genetics of kidney diseases associated with HIV will result in better screening, prevention and treatment efforts, as HIV specialists and nephrologists coordinate clinical care of these patients. Both haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are effective as renal replacement therapy in HIV-infected patients with end-stage kidney disease, with PD being preferred in resource-limited settings. Kidney transplantation, once contraindicated in this population, has now become the most effective renal replacement therapy, provided rigorous criteria are met. Given the attendant morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children and adolescents with kidney disease, routine screening for kidney disease is recommended where resources permit.

Conclusions

This review focuses on the pathogenesis and genetics, clinical presentation and management of kidney disease in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV-1 infection.

Tenofovir treatment duration predicts proteinuria in a multiethnic United States Cohort of children and adolescents with perinatal HIV-1 infection

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir is associated with renal proximal tubule injury. Such toxicity has not been extensively studied in HIV-1-infected children, in whom tenofovir is increasingly used.

METHODS

History, urine and blood were collected at regular intervals from 448 children and adolescents with perinatal HIV-1 infection followed in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort study. Relationships between tenofovir use and proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes were examined using multivariable logistic regression models. Proteinuria was defined as at least one urine protein/creatinine ratio (uPCR) ≥ 0.2, and CKD as ≥ 2 sequential uPCR ≥ 0.2 or estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73 m with no subsequent resolution, or a clinical diagnosis not contradicted by a normal uPCR. Subjects with ≥ 2 uPCR <0.2, and no abnormal uPCR and eGFR comprised the comparison group.

RESULTS

Subjects were 47% male, 72% black, 24% Hispanic, with entry mean age (± standard deviation) of 11.5 ± 2.5 years. Proteinuria prevalence at entry, and annually during 3 years, ranged from 10.3% to 13.7%. The cumulative prevalence of proteinuria was 22% (94/434, 95% confidence interval: 18%-26%) and CKD 4.5% (20/448, 95% confidence interval: 2.7%-6.8%). Duration of tenofovir use was an independent predictor of proteinuria, with >3 years of exposure having the highest risk compared with no exposure (odds ratio: 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-5.22, overall P = 0.01). Overall, duration of tenofovir use did not significantly predict the presence of CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of proteinuria and CKD were lower than those seen in the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy era. However, prolonged exposure to tenofovir increases risk of renal injury.

Chronic kidney disease associated with perinatal HIV infection in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

This study describes the incidence, clinical and demographic characteristics, and spectrum of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in youths with perinatal HIV-1 infection.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis between May 1993 and December 2006 of subjects with renal disease followed in the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 219/219C multicenter study examining the long-term consequences of perinatal HIV infection. Diagnosis confirmation was made utilizing a questionnaire mailed to research sites. Participants with CKD of other etiology than HIV were excluded. Outcome measures were biopsy-diagnosed CKD and, in the absence of biopsy, HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) using established clinical criteria.

RESULTS

Questionnaires on 191 out of 2,102 participants identified 27 cases of CKD: 14 biopsy-diagnosed and 6 clinical cases of HIVAN, and 7 biopsy-diagnosed cases of immune complex-mediated kidney disease (lupus-like nephritis, 3; IgA nephropathy, 2; membranous nephropathy, 2). Incidence rates for CKD associated with HIV in pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (1993-1997) and HAART (1998-2002, 2003-2006) eras were 0.43, 2.84, and 2.79 events per 1,000 person years respectively. In multivariate analysis, black race and viral load ≥100,000 copies/mL (rate ratios 3.28 and 5.05, p ≤ 0.02) were associated with CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritides and HIVAN occurs in this population. Black race and uncontrolled viral replication are risk factors for CKD associated with HIV.

Mortality in Brazilian children with HIV/AIDS: the role of non-AIDS-related conditions after highly active antiretroviral therapy introduction

AIDS-related mortality has been significantly reduced in areas that systematically adopted highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In Brazil, despite advances in control policy, there is still a lack of evidence about trends in children on causes of death related or not related to HIV/AIDS. We evaluate temporal trends in mortality due to non-HIV-related causes of death in relation to HIV/AIDS-related conditions among children with and without HIV infection. This nationwide study included all deaths in children reported from 1999 to 2007. Mortality odds ratios (MOR) and rates were calculated to assess time trends of death in children with or without HIV/AIDS. These data were analyzed by calendar year, as obtained from official national database. A total of 680,763 deaths occurred in Brazilian children under 13 years of age; of these, 2191 (0.32%) had causes related to HIV/AIDS listed on the death certificate. The mortality rate from HIV/AIDS-related causes in Brazilian children ranged from 0.72 per 100,000 children in 1999 to 0.40 per 100,000 children in 2007, while for selected nonrelated causes the rate of death among HIV-infected children was stable at 0.08 per 100,000 Brazilian children. In children with HIV/AIDS, the MOR of having selected conditions unrelated to HIV/AIDS as a cause of death in 2007 (compared to 1999) was 1.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.08, p = 0.02), but without a significant temporal trend (p = 0.413) through the analyzed period. In Brazil, deaths related to HIV/AIDS mortality in children significantly decreased, while the unrelated causes in HIV-infected children maintained a stable trend. These data reinforce the success of national public health policies and the need to offer comprehensive care to children with HIV/AIDS.

Long-term renal safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in vertically HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults: a 60-month follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sporadic cases of renal toxicity have been reported in HIV-infected children treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). We assessed the long-term renal safety of TDF in a cohort of vertically HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

We evaluated 26 HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults, aged 4.9-17.4 years at baseline, every 6 months for 60 consecutive months. At the baseline visit, they had an undetectable viral load and a good immune reconstitution and were being treated with lamivudine, stavudine and a protease inhibitor (PI). At the same visit, stavudine was replaced with TDF and the PI with efavirenz. Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine protein to creatinine ratio, serum phosphate, ratio of the maximum rate of tubular phosphate reabsorption to the GFR (TmPO(4)/GFR), urine glucose, and urine α(1)-microglobulin to creatinine ratio were used as markers of renal function. The outcome-time relationships were studied using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). In addition to time (continuous, ten equally spaced intervals), sex, age at baseline and CD4+ T-cell count were used as covariates.

RESULTS

A moderate reduction in GFR was observed only once in an underweight female patient. There was no occurrence of proteinuria, hypophosphataemia or glycosuria. Moreover, TmPO(4)/GFR was stable and the urine α(1)-microglobulin to creatinine ratio was always within normal limits.

CONCLUSION

TDF had an excellent renal safety profile in HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults regularly followed up for 60 months.

Secondary complications and co-infections in the HIV-infected adolescent in the antiretroviral era

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The number of HIV-infected adolescents is increasing dramatically. With combination antiretroviral therapy, they are expected to live well into adulthood. However, complications are emerging at a higher rate in the HIV-infected population compared to the general population. HIV-infected adolescents are also at a high risk of sexually transmitted co-infections. This article reviews the main secondary complications and co-infections in the HIV-infected adolescent.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV-infected adolescents are at a high risk of sexually transmitted infections. A careful, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate inquiry into the individual's sexual behavior to assess risk is paramount, in addition to regular screening at medical visits. Treating co-infections is not only important for HIV-infected individuals, but also limits HIV transmission to others. In addition, monitoring and addressing modifiable secondary risk factors for complications such as renal disease, osteopenia or osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease are critical, well before the onset of clinically apparent disease. Using antiretroviral therapy to suppress viral replication and inflammation appears to be a promising strategy for decreasing secondary complication risk, and likely overshadows the toxicities associated with the long-term use of certain antiretrovirals.

SUMMARY

Assessing and addressing the risk of secondary complications and co-infections in the HIV-infected adolescent is crucial for optimal length and quality of life.

Effect of drugs on renal development

Many nephrotoxic effects of drugs have been described, whereas the effect on renal development has received less attention. Nephrogenesis ceases at approximately 36 weeks of gestation, indicating that drugs administered to pregnant women and to preterm-born neonates may influence kidney development. Such an effect on renal development may lead to a wide spectrum of renal malformations (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract [CAKUT]), ranging from renal agenesis to a reduced nephron number. Any of these anomalies may have long-term sequelae, and CAKUT is the primary cause for renal replacement therapy in childhood. This review focuses on research into the effect of drug treatment during active nephrogenesis during pregnancy and in preterm-born infants. Because the effects of many widely used drugs have not been unraveled thus far, more research is needed to study the effect on renal development and long-term renal sequelae after drug treatment during nephrogenesis.

Growing up with HIV: children, adolescents, and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection

Tremendous success in the prevention and treatment of pediatric HIV in high-resource countries has changed the face of the epidemic. A perinatally HIV-infected child now faces a chronic disease rather than a progressive, fatal one. However, these successes pose new challenges as perinatally HIV-infected youth survive into adulthood. These include maintaining adherence to long-term, likely life-long therapy; selecting successive antiretroviral drug regimens, given the limited availability of pediatric formulations and the lack of pharmacokinetic and safety data in children; and overcoming extensive drug resistance in multi-drug-experienced children. Pediatric HIV care now focuses on morbidity related to long-term HIV infection and its treatment. Survival into adulthood of perinatally HIV-infected youth in high-resource countries encourages expansion of pediatric treatment programs in low-resource countries, where most HIV-infected children live, and provides important lessons about how the epidemic changes with increasing access to antiretroviral therapy for children.