Urinary Biomarkers in a Living Donor Kidney Transplantation Cohort-Predictive Value on Graft Function

Early non-invasive detection and prediction of graft function after kidney transplantation is essential since interventions might prevent further deterioration. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics and predictive value of four urinary biomarkers: kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in a living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) cohort. Biomarkers were measured up to 9 days after the transplantation of 57 recipients participating in the VAPOR-1 trial. Dynamics of KIM-1, NAG, NGAL, and H-FABP significantly changed over the course of 9 days after transplantation. KIM-1 at day 1 and NAG at day 2 after transplantation were significant predictors for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at various timepoints after transplantation with a positive estimate (p < 0.05), whereas NGAL and NAG at day 1 after transplantation were negative significant predictors (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis models for eGFR outcome improved after the addition of these biomarker levels. Several donor, recipient and transplantation factors significantly affected the baseline of urinary biomarkers. In conclusion, urinary biomarkers are of added value for the prediction of graft outcome, but influencing factors such as the timing of measurement and transplantation factors need to be considered.

Automated summary

Early non-invasive detection and prediction of graft function after kidney transplantation is important. The study analyzed four urinary biomarkers and found that KIM-1 and NAG at early timepoints after transplantation were significant predictors for eGFR, while NGAL and NAG at day 1 after transplantation were negative predictors. Including these biomarkers improved the prediction models for graft outcome. Factors such as timing of measurement and transplantation factors need to be considered when using urinary biomarkers.