Important news for anyone who is HIV positive or knows someone who is (please pass it on if you do):

A U.S. group of HIV specialists has recommended kidney screening for all people with HIV to help avoid chronic kidney disease, a serious complication of HIV infection.

The first-ever guidelines, issued by the HIV Medicine Association (HMA), are also designed to help people living with HIV manage the condition, also known as HIV-related nephropathy.

Nearly one-third of HIV-infected patients have abnormal amounts of protein in their urine, which is a warning sign of possible kidney trouble, the HMA said. If the condition is detected early, the patient may be able to avoid dialysis.

HIV-related nephropathy can also lead to AIDS and death.

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