TITLE:
Evidence of Renal Damage in HIV-Infected Patients with High CD4 Counts Following the Use of Traditional Medicine
AUTHORS:
Numbara Deebii, Ezinne Janefrances Nwankwo, Ogechukwu Samuel Obi, Mpakaboari Tonye Bekinbo
KEYWORDS:
Renal Dysfunction, Traditional Medicine, HIV-Infected Patients, CD4 Counts
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
11,
2016
ABSTRACT: Kidney dysfunction is one of the most serious complications resulting from the use of traditional
medicine which is common in Africa accounting for about 35% of renal damage in HIV-infected
patients. In this cross sectional study, 250 HIV-infected patients were groups as follows: ART GrpA
(100), ART + traditional medicine use GrpB (100) and ART treatment naïve + traditional medicine
GrpC (50). Tubular dysfunctions were defined when at least two or more of the following abnormalities
were repeatedly present: Uricosuria ≥ 0.05 mg/dl, Phosphaturia ≥ 20.0 mg/dl, Glucosuria
≥ 0.1 mg/dl, Proteinuria = positive protein on dipstick urine. Renal dysfunctions were found to be
significantly high (P = 0.001) in the group of patients treated with ART + traditional medicine. 27
(64.29%) patients followed by ART treatment naïve patients + traditional medicine; 12 (28.57%)
patients and only 4 (7.14%) patients developed renal toxicity in the ART treatment Grp. But strikingly
CD4 counts were also significantly higher in Grp B (683 cell/ul) compared to group A (446
cell/ul) and C (206 cell/ul). Our results show that HIV-infected patients on ART combined with
traditional medicine might develop renal abnormalities in the presence of high CD4 counts, in the
course of incessant use of traditional medicine. Thus it is important that more research be conducted
on its usage among the Black population with HIV infection.