Long-term effects of superselective renal artery embolization on renal function after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

To investigate the long-term impact of superselective renal artery embolization (SRAE) on renal function in cases of severe post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) haemorrhage, and to identify the factors associated with the long-term outcome of renal function.

Patients treated with SRAE for post-PCNL hemorrhage between September 2016 and September 2021 were included. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to identify the factors related to the percentages of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change and the risk factors of worsening renal function (WRF), respectively.

A total of 80 patients were included. There was no significant change in eGFR before and after SRAE immediately within 1.45 ± 1.66 days (66.37 ± 28.45 vs. 63.86 ± 29.26 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.202). Patient's eGFR increased significantly from 66.37 ± 28.45 to 70.94 ± 30.48 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.044) with a mean follow-up of 30.4 months after SRAE, especially in patients with compromised renal function before SRAE (β = 0.297, p = 0.039). However, BMI > 24 kg/m² was significantly associated with the decrease of eGFR (β = -0.343, p = 0.016). 12 (15.0%) patients developed WRF, logistic regression analysis showed that BMI > 24.0 kg/m² (OR = 4.144, p = 0.045) and atrophic renal cortex (OR = 4.180, p = 0.040) were independent risk factors of WRF.

SRAE is an effective treatment for post-PCNL severe haemorrhage, and is not deleterious to long term renal function. Notably, BMI > 24.0 kg/m² and atrophic renal cortex were significant predictors of long-term WRF in SRAE patients.