[High energy shockwave-induced acute changes in renal function].

Attempting to understand the effects of HESW on renal function, we studied prospectively 40 patients with nephrolithiasis in 4 groups, using different number of pulsation and the same voltage to identify different effects. Stone burdens and position were similar in these groups. Each group received 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, or 3,000 pulses respectively at 12.5 kV from JT-3 lithotripter. In all groups, the levels of urinary NAG, beta 2MG, ALB and serum beta 2MG were significantly increased at day 1-3 after ESWL (P < 0.001), and then decreased to the levels of pre-ESWL except serum beta 2MG and urinary NAG levels of group C and D at day 7 after ESWL, which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of pre-ESWL. There was significant correlation between either urinary NAG (r = 0.977, P < 0.05) or urinary beta 2MG (r = 0.933, P < 0.001) and the number of pulses at day 3 post-ESWL. In addition, there was a significant difference in urinary NAG levels between group D and group A, B or C at day 3 post-ESWL, and the same was true in urinary beta 2MG levels between group C or D and group A or B. These findings suggested that shock wave induced acute changes in renal function and transient renal tubular damages, and that the tubular damages might last longer more than 7 days, although these functional changes recovered within one week. The changes were related to the energy levels of shock wave, and the degree of renal damage would increase when the energy level was above 12.5 kV x 2,500 pulses.