World Journal of Medical Sciences 12 (2): 83-90, 2015 ISSN 1817-3055 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjms.2015.12.2.92106 Corresponding Autor: H. O. Okpa, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, P. M.B. 1278, Calabar, Nigeria. 83 Microalbuminuria and its Relationship with Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Newly Diagnosed HIV Patients in a Tertiary Hospital South-South Nigeria H.O. Okpa, E. Oviasu and L.I. Ojogwu 1 2 2 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, 1 Calabar, P.M.B. 1278, Calabar, Nigeria Department of Internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, 2 Benin, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Nigeria Abstract: Microalbuminuria is a marker of vascular damage that is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population. Given these associations, microalbuminuria may be an important early marker of renal damage and cardiovascular risk in persons with HIV infection. Careful screening for microalbuminuria (MA) at first diagnosis of HIV may identify such patients with MA who can then be followed up.A prospective cross sectional study to determine the level of microalbuminuria and its relationship with clinical and biochemical parameters among newly diagnosed HIV patients presenting at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Participants with overt proteinuria and conditions associated with microalbuminuria were excluded.Result showed that A total of 367 subjects were recruited but only 300 met the inclusion criteria with complete data for analysis and 100 aged matched HIV- negative controls. Of this number (300), 86 (28.7%) were males while 214 (71.3%) were females. Mean ± SD ages were 37.7±9.6 and 36.1±9.4 years (p = 0.142) for HIV patients and controls respectively. Microalbuminuria (urinary albumin / creatinine ratio, ACR 30mg/g) was present in 44 (14.7%) of HIV subjects which is about seven times more prevalent than in controls. Several factors were associated with the development of microalbuminuria such as low CD4 count (p < 0.001), low BMI (p = 0.008), low HDL-C (p < 0.001), low GFR (p < 0.001), low Hb (p = 0.020) and high LDL-c, TC, TG (p < 0.001). But multiple linear regression analysis showed that low GFR (p = 0.010), low CD4 count (p = 0.042), low HDL-c (p = 0.004) and high LDL-c (p = 0.030) were significantly associated with the development of microabluminuria. inConclusionThis study has shown that microalbuminuria is prevalent among newly diagnosed patients with HIV infection and that there are several risk factors for yhe development of micoalbuminuria. Timely detection of this disorder and appropriate follow-up would be helpful. Key words: Microalbuminuria Newly Diagnosed HIV Patients South – South INTRODUCTION At present, Nigeria has the third largest Infection with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Africa and India3. Kidney disease occurs frequently in the virus that causes Acquired immunodeficiency the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) syndrome (AIDS) has become one of the world’s most infection and it has become a leading contributor to serious health and developmental challenges [1]. In morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV and sub-saharan Africa, about 22.9 million people were living AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral with HIV in 2010 and the current prevalence in Nigeria is therapy (HAART) [4]. However, it is estimated that 3.1%. up to 30% of HIV infected patients will have abnormal At the end of 2010, the estimated number of people kidney function and AIDS – related kidney disease living with HIV infection was 34 million and adults has become a relatively common cause of end-stage accounted for more of the burden of the infection [2]. renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis and kidney AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa and the disease may be associated with progression to AIDS and fourth leading cause of death worldwide [3]. death [5]. population of HIV patients worldwide after South