[Beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (beta-NAG) as a parameter in the diagnosis and evaluation of primary glomerular and tubulointerstitial kidney diseases].

beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and beta 2-microglobulin were assessed in two cohorts of patients with glomerular or tubulointerstitial diseases respectively. While beta-NAG activities did not differ statistically significantly between both groups, beta 2-microglobulin excretion was statistically highly significantly increased in the setting of tubulointerstitial diseases. On the whole mean beta-NAG activity at 37 degrees C and beta 2-microglobulin urinary excretion were elevated in both groups, when compared to normal controls. Increased beta-NAG activities above 10 U/g creatinine were associated with a marked increase of creatinine serum levels within 6 months in both, patients with glomerular and tubulointerstitial basic renal diseases. beta-NAG and beta 2-microglobulin are useful tools in diagnosis and assessment of renal diseases elucidating different aspects.