Vitamin D deficiency and persistent proteinuria among HIV-infected and uninfected injection drue users

We read the study reported by Estrella et al. [1] with interest. Their study confirmed a significant association between higher urinary protein excretion and vitamin D deficiency among injection drug users (IDUs) with HIV and diabetes. To determine if a similar relationship exists in the general population with HIV, we performed a retrospective study on a convenience sample of patients enrolled in the HIV Outpatient Program clinic based in New Orleans. Patients were eligible for this study if they met the following criteria: at least 18 years of age, documentation of at least two valid urinalyses between 7/06 and 6/08, and documentation of at least one vitamin D level. Urinalyses showing blood (defined as greater than or equal to 10 red blood cells per high power field) or pyuria (defined as greater than or equal to 10 white blood cells per high power field) were considered invalid.