Can urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predict acute rejection following deceased donor kidney transplantation?

Abstract

Delayed graft function and acute rejection have negative impact on graft survival. To asses the predictive value of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, which has been found to be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury. In this prospective study urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels of 27 kidney recipients were measured. Patients were grouped as follows: group 1, no complication; group 2, rejection; group 3, delayed graft function requiring dialysis; group 4, rejection plus delayed graft function. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 3 and 4. Patients in groups 3 and 4 had significantly higher urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels as compared to those in groups 3 and 4. There was a paralIel change in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in groups 1 and 2. In these patients urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels failed to provide useful information in both cases of normal and impaired function.