Hospital revives patient with HIV and kidney failure
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In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, doctors at Tâm Anh General Hospital treated Kiên, a 50-year-old man with acute kidney failure caused by chronic kidney disease and HIV.
Kiên initially collapsed and required emergency dialysis when his kidney function rapidly declined, with urea levels tripling and creatinine increasing nearly tenfold. Doctors inserted a catheter for immediate dialysis and began addressing his underlying conditions, including HIV, hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis C.
Kiên had been stably managing his chronic kidney disease for ten years and taking antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to control the HIV virus. The medical team focused on strict infection control during dialysis, recognizing that people with HIV have weakened immune systems and are vulnerable to bloodstream infections from dialysis access points. They prioritized maintaining fluid balance and kidney blood flow to support potential recovery.
After three months of specialized care involving dialysis twice a week, adjusting his antiviral medication based on kidney function, and using dedicated dialysis equipment, Kiên’s kidney function improved significantly. His creatinine levels decreased sixfold from when he first arrived at the hospital, and he no longer required emergency dialysis. Doctors note that more medical facilities in Vietnam are now equipped to safely provide dialysis to people with HIV, using strict infection control protocols and dedicated machines.
