Objective HIV-related renal dysfunction is associated with high mortality. Data on the prevalence of renal dysfunction among HIV-infected outpatients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. Recent recommendations to include the nephrotoxic drug tenofovir in first-line ART regimens make clarification of this issue urgent. Methods We screened for renal dysfunction by measuring serum creatinine, proteinuria, and microalbuminuria in HIV-positive outpatients initiating ART in Mwanza, Tanzania. We excluded patients with preexisting renal disease, hypertension, diabetes, or Hepatitis C virus co-infection. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated by Cockroft-Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations. Results Only 129 (36%) of 355 enrolled patients had normal eGFRs (Grade 0 or 1) above 90 ml/min/1.73m2. Grade 2 renal dysfunction (eGFR between 60 and 89 ml/min/1.73m2) was present in 137 patients (38.6%), and 87 patients (25%) had Grade 3 dysfunction (eGFR between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73m2). Microalbuminuria and proteinuria were detected in 72% and 36% of patients, respectively. Factors predictive of renal dysfunction in multivariate analysis included female gender (OR 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.8–5.1], p<0.0001), Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 (OR 2.3 [1.3–4.1], p=0.004), CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3 (OR 2.3 [1.1–4.8], p=0.04), and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage II or above (OR 1.6 [1.2–2.3], p=0.001). Conclusions Renal dysfunction was highly prevalent in this population of HIV-positive outpatients initiating first ART in Tanzania. This highlights the critical and underappreciated need to monitor renal function in HIV-positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly given the increasing use of tenofovir in first-line ART.

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