Introduction

Weighing a delicate six ounces each—that's less than 0.5 percent of our total body weight—the kidneys play a number of vital roles. For those living with HIV, these include breaking down of some medications needed to keep the viral load low and CD4 counts high. Unfortunately, like other vital organs in the body, the kidneys are not immune to diseases that can have a serious effect on how they work. Approximately 20 million Americans—one in nine U.S. adults—have kidney disease and another 20 million more are at risk. Studies also show that nearly one-third of all HIV-positive people have abnormal amounts of protein in their urine—a sign of potential kidney trouble.

As people with HIV continue to live longer lives due to antiretroviral therapy, experts reckon that kidney disease will remain a common and potentially serious health threat. Fortunately, much has been learned about HIV and kidney disease in recent years, including the best ways to screen for it, prevent it and treat it.

This lesson is intended to help HIV-positive people to better understand why their kidneys are important and the steps they can take—working closely with their doctors—to protect their health.

After reading this lesson, please take our quick 9 question survey about kidney health! Click here to get started.

After reading this lesson, please take our quick 9 question survey about kidney health!

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