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- Since HIV may infect kidney cells and lead to kidney disease, patients should receive treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This therapy involves combinations of different anti–HIV drugs (called antiretrovirals). HAART suppresses HIV, which boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of HIV–associated nephropathy (HIVAN).
- Certain classes of antiretrovirals, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors like tenofovir (Viread ®) and a protease inhibitor called indinavir (Crixivan ®), should be used cautiously in patients with a history of kidney disease because they have shown to cause kidney damage.
- Kidney transplant recipients will need to alter their diets so they do not overwork their new kidney. For instance, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided because these products contain many toxins and wastes that are difficult for just one kidney to filter from the blood.
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