[Biochemical parameters for determination of graft viability during the early postoperative period (author's transl)]

In 54 patients with graft failure the changes of urine sodium concentration and of urinary enzyme activities (alanine aminopeptidase, AAP) were investigated. It was found that: (1) the kidneys with irreversible acute tubular necrosis are characterised by high urine sodium level, and low AAP activities. These changes correspond to the end stage of renal insufficiency. (2) Low concentration of sodium and extremely high AAP excretion are characteristic in grafts with severe rejection episodes. (3) If kidneys lost their function due to irreversible rejection, the biochemical variables showed the same changes as in the first group. We concluded that by continuous determination of sodium levels and enzyme activities in urine and by their correlation it is possible to detect the non-functioning grafts in the early posttransplantation period.