Effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on renal function in patients with kidney stone disease

The effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on glomerular and tubular renal functions were determined by serum beta2-microglobulin (Sbeta2m) and urinary beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2m) estimations in patients with nephrolithiasis. Unilateral treatment was performed in all patients. Urinary and serum creatinine levels were determined according to the method of Yatzidis. Sbeta2m and Ubeta2m were measured by radioimmunoassay the day before ESWL, on the day of ESWL, and then 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, and 28 days after treatment. Creatinine clearance, hourly urinary beta2m excretion (Ubeta2m/h), and tubular reabsorption of beta2m (TRbeta2m) were calculated. After lithotripsy, significant increases in Ubeta2m, Ubeta2m/h, and TRbeta2m were found (p < 0.001), whereas Sbeta2m, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance values remained unchanged. Ubeta2m, Ubeta2m/h, and TRbeta2m reached their pretreatment values within 7-9 days after ESWL. We concluded that ESWL does not affect the glomerular filtration rate; however, it leads to a transient proximal tubular dysfunction.