Don't Kid With the Kidneys

Here's another reason to work closely with your primary care physician to select the most effective antiretroviral regimen possible -- a study in the June 1 issue of the journal AIDS has shown that a high HIV viral load is linked with a higher risk of kidney problems, including overall renal failure. In a five-year study of 554 HIVers those who experienced a decline in kidney function were about three times more likely to have detectable viral levels than those with improved kidney function. All told, about 43% of the HIVers experiencing kidney problems had high viral levels. The researchers conclude that the "extent of viremic control had a strong association with'changes in kidney function."