Membranous Nephropathy in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Shortly After Initiation of HAART with Atripla

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has long been associated with kidney disease. The pathogenesis of renal complications may be directly related to the presence of HIV viral particles or may occur secondary to an immune response against the virus. A number of HIV medications have been associated with the development of acute and chronic kidney disease. It has been estimated that approximately 60 percent of patients suffering from HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) will, at some point, manifest clinically significant renal sequelae.The most common kidney disease affecting HIV patients is HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) or focal segmental glomerulonephritis (FSGS). A very small subset of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS does go on to develop membranous glomerulonephritis. We present a case of a 55-year old Caucasian male who presented to the hospital after two weeks of weakness and falling when attempting to stand. The patient had a history of HIV, diagnosed in 1996. The latest cluster differentiation 4 (CD4) count was 245 cells/uL and the HIV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) viral load was reported as less than 75 copies/ml. The physical exam at presentation was insignificant. The laboratory examination revealed elevated creatinine. Potential nephrotoxic home medications, including Atripla and lisinopril, were held. After a brief inpatient stay, he was discharged but was ultimately readmitted for worsening renal function and nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed. Renal biopsy was performed, and membranous glomerulonephritis was confirmed. To this point, there are no associated cases reported of membranous glomerulonephritis after initiation of therapy with Atripla. We present a case of a rare etiology of membranous nephropathy in an HIV patient. Physicians should be judicious in detecting the etiology of renal dysfunction in HIV patients.