Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Renal Disease in Hiv Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background Renal disease is a significant comorbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV), contributing to morbidity and mortality despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Limited data exist regarding the prevalence and clinical characteristics of renal disease in HIV-positive patients in India. Objectives To determine the prevalence of renal disease among HIV-positive patients at a tertiary care hospital and to identify risk factors associated with renal involvement, including the correlation between CD4 + count and renal dysfunction. Materials and Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, from September 2023 to March 2025. A total of 147 HIV-positive patients aged 18–70 years were enrolled. Renal disease was defined as serum creatinine > 1.3 mg/dL or urine albumin ≥ 2 + on dipstick. Data collected included demographics, clinical parameters, CD4 + count, ART regimen, comorbidities, and renal function tests. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Results The mean age was 45.7 ± 12.8 years with male predominance (65.3%). The overall prevalence of renal disease was 21.1% (95% CI: 14.6–28.6%). Among affected patients, 48.4% had elevated creatinine only, 32.3% had significant albuminuria only, and 19.4% had both. Hypertension was significantly associated with renal disease (OR 2.76, p = 0.031). CD4 + count showed a significant inverse relationship with renal disease (p = 0.032). Multivariate analysis identified hypertension (adjusted OR 3.12, p = 0.022) and CD4 + count per 100 cells/µL decrease (adjusted OR 1.28, p = 0.041) as independent predictors. Conclusion Renal disease affects approximately one in five HIV-positive patients. Hypertension and low CD4 + count are significant independent risk factors, underscoring the importance of systematic renal screening, blood pressure management, and early ART initiation.