Oncotic pressure and edema formation in hypoalbuminemic HIV-infected patients with proteinuria.

Human immunodeficiency virus nephropathy (HIVN) continues to challenge nephrologic consultative services at major urban institutions. Although noted in the literature, the decreased incidence of peripheral edema in HIVN has been unexplained to date. In HIV patients, total proteins frequently are found to be elevated due to an elevated globulin fraction.

The spectrum of kidney diseases in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Familiarity with renal issues that can challenge the care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) should expedite diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Among the most common problems are electrolyte and acid-base imbalances from many opportunistic infections or their treatments, including hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and hypo- and hypercalcemia. Acid-base disturbances, simple or mixed, can be due to underlying sepsis, opportunistic infections, or the therapy thereof.