AU - Ephraim, Richard AU - Brenyah, Ruth AU - Osei, Richmond AU - Bossipe, Bright AU - Adoba, Prince AU - Osakunor, Derick AU - Agbodzakey, Hope TI - Crystalluria in HIV/AIDS patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy in the Kumasi metropolis; a cross sectional study PT - ORIG DP - 2014 Nov 1 TA - Nigerian Medical Journal PG - 504-507 VI - 55 IP - 6 4099- https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2014;volume=55;issue=6;spage=504;epage=507;aulast=Ephraim;type=0 4100- https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2014;volume=55;issue=6;spage=504;epage=507;aulast=Ephraim AB - Background: Crystalluria is associated with some highly active anti-retroviral therapies (HAART's) used in the management of HIV/AIDS. Aims: This study used light microscopy to establish the prevalence of crystalluria among HIV/AIDS patients on HAART and identified the routine crystals present in their urine. Materials and Methods: In this simple randomised cross-sectional study, 200 HIV/AIDS participants, comprising 150 on HAART and 50 HAART-naοve were recruited from the HIV clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Urine and blood samples were collected, for urinalysis and the determination of the CD4 count, respectively. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data and clinical history of the participants. Results: The prevalence of crystalluria was higher among HIV-infected persons on HAART than those not on HAART (6.7% vs 4%; P = 0.733). Calcium oxalate and triple phosphate crystals were the crystal types present in their urine (3.5% and 2.5%, respectively) and was present only in HIV subjects on first line of treatment (without protease inhibitors). Participants aged between 40-50 years and those with hypersthenuria and acidic urine had the highest amount of crystalluria (41.6%, 83.3%, and 58.3%, respectively). Conclusion: HAART is associated with crystalluria in HIV patients. Light microscopy will be of disgnostic value in resource limited settings.