The role of C-reactive protein in graft dysfunction after renal transplantation

We investigated whether serial daily measurements of serum C-reactive protein could help differentiate episodes of transplant dysfunction due to rejection, infection, cyclosporin A nephrotoxicity or acute tubular necrosis in renal allograft recipients.

Morning serum was obtained daily from 134 patients during the first 30 days after renal transplantation. All episodes of graft dysfunction were recorded and compared to transplant biopsies. C-reactive protein concentrations were correlated with postoperative graft function and the various causes of graft dysfunction.

All patients demonstrated an increase in C-reactive protein in response to surgery and a maximum level was reached on day 2 after transplantation. Mean C-reactive protein concentration was significantly increased for delayed (61.50 microg./ml.) compared to primary (mean 38.01) graft function (p = 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). There were significant increases in C-reactive protein for bacterial infections other than asymptomatic bacteriuria (33.98 microg./ml), interstitial graft rejection (16.43) and acute tubular necrosis (30.50) compared to uneventful courses. C-reactive protein was unchanged for viral infections or cyclosporin A toxicity.

Serial C-reactive protein measurements help to identify renal transplant dysfunction of different origins. However, rejection, infection and acute tubular necrosis show similar patterns of C-reactive protein increase. Thus, C-reactive protein is unable to discriminate the causes of renal graft dysfunction. Biopsy remains the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of renal allograft dysfunction.