[Lipocalin and kidney transplant].

INTRODUCTION

Kidney transplantation is frequently complicated by delayed graft function (DGF). DGF is associated with more frequent rejection episodes, increased need of post-transplantation biopsies, dialysis sessions and prolonged hospitalization. These complications may have negative impact on long-term survival of transplanted kidney.Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) is regarded as acute kidney injury marker.This preliminary study aimed at evaluating whether uNGAL may be early predictor of DGF in kidney transplanted patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Urine samples were collected from renal transplant recipients on day 1 post-transplantation to determine 24/h urinary NGAL and creatinine excretion. On same day, routine blood chemistry was assessed.

RESULTS

N. 20 renal transplant recipients were evaluated. DGF was observed in n. 6 patients (DGF-patients). In DGF-patients compared to NO-DGF-patients, mean age was higher (586 Vs 5111, p=0.001), while 24/h urine output (5735 Vs 4150 2230 ml/24h; p=0.001) and urinary creatinine excretion (191184 Vs 683660 mg/24h; p=0.001) were lower. No difference was found between DGF- and NO-DGF-patients in 24/h urinary NGAL excretion (1,202,20 Vs 2,444,0 mg/24h; p<0.20). In univariate analysis, DGF was inversely associated to 24/h urine output (r2=-0.795, p=0.001) and urinary creatinine excretion (r2=-0.480, p=0.037) and positively to age (r2=0.446, p=0.049). In multivariate analysis 24/h urine output (p=0.014) and 24/h urinary creatinine excretion (p=0.039) were associated to DGF.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study suggests that 24/h urinary NGAL excretion, measured 1 day after kidney transplantation, is not a reliable predictor of DGF. Larger study with longer observation period is mandatory.