Prevalence of microalbuminuria and diagnostic value of dipstick proteinuria in outpatients from HIV clinics in Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Microalbuminuria is a marker of early kidney disease and high cardiovascular risk in various populations, including HIV positive patients. However, the diagnostic value of qualitative (dipstick) proteinuria and the burden of microalbuminuria in HIV positive patients living in sub-Saharan Africa are relatively unclear.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 235 HIV- positive outpatients were screened for proteinuria in 3 HIV-clinics in Bukavu.

[HIV infection and pericardial disease invasion in Africa].

The number of cases with pericardial disease has been increasing in Africa and particularly in Zäire, after AIDS was defined. To investigate a possible link between HIV infection and risen incidence of pericardial effusions, 64 patients randomly selected (32 HIV carriers and 32 HIV-seronegative as controls), with suspected pericardial disease were studied in a longitudinal trial from January 1991 to December 1994. Central and accessory cells of immune system were measured in conjunction with blood screening, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray and cardiac ultrasound.