The objective of the present study is to analyze the overall tubular function, and in particular that from the proximal tubule and the thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) in patients with HIV infection receiving or not tenofovir-containing antiretroviral treatment in comparison with seronegative controls, by applying a validated tubular physiological test known as "Low sodium infusion test". Hypothesis is that patients with HIV infection and normal renal function will show subclinical tubular abnormalities compared with seronegative controls
Renal disease is a well recognized complication among patients with HIV infection. Either viral infection itself and the use of some antiretroviral drugs contribute to this serious non AIDS-defining condition that may affect both the glomeruli and the renal tubules. The thick ascending loop of Henle constitutes the main location for free-water clearance determining kidney´s ability to concentrate and dilute urine in a direct and indirect fashion, respectively.
This test is based on the exploration of the tubular response to an acute fluid load. After overnight fast, all participants received twenty cc/Kg of mineralized water per os and two liters of intravenous hypotonic solution (0.66%) infused in two hours. Three blood samples are drawn (at 0, 60 and 120 minutes) and also urine samples are collected from each person at baseline and at 30 (±5) minutes intervals during the whole test. From the obtained blood and urine samples creatinine and osmolarity are measured, and then from the data corresponding to the most hypotonic urine sample (maximum dilution) and its corresponding blood sample three renal physiological parameters (proximal sodium clearance, free water clearance, sodium TALH reabsorption) are analyzed. Since patient inclusion follow up period is one month
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina