Abstract

FONSECA, Isabel. Biomarkers in Kidney Transplantation: Translating to clinical practice. Port J Nephrol Hypert [online]. 2013, vol.27, n.3, pp.143-151. ISSN 0872-0169.

Improving long-term graft survival is a major challenge in kidney transplantation. Ischaemia-reperfusion injury is a critical early allograft insult that enhances the risk of delayed graft function, which is common in deceased-donor transplantation. Delayed graft function complicates the post-transplant management and has a negative impact on both short and long-term outcomes. The development of effective interventions to prevent and attenuate the injury caused by ischaemia-reperfusion is constricted by the limited ability of early detection of kidney damage. In recent years, clinical and translational research has focused on improvements in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and provided prognostic information that is helpful in the post-transplant care. Numerous biomarkers in kidney transplantation have been evaluated in the past decade, but, so far, evidence to support their use in routine practice is limited. The purpose of this review is to examine the current status of three biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of delayed graft function, namely urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, oxidative stress and cystatin C. In addition, the concept of a biomarker is addressed, as well as the existing challenges and perspectives for developing a biomarker. This review discusses current literature and reflects the author’s own interpretation and experience.

Keywords : Biomarker; Delayed graft function; Kidney transplantation.

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