Efecto de la cardioversión eléctrica programada de fibrilación auricular sobre la función renal / Effect of programmed electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation on renal function

Resumen Introducción: Estudios previos han relacionado la presencia de fibrilación auricular (FA) con una tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) reducida. Objetivo: comparar la evolución de la TFGe en pacientes con FA persistente tras cardioversión eléctrica (CVE) programada en función de la existencia o no de recurrencias, así como la evolución de varios biomarcadores. Materiales y métodos: Cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con FA persistente remitidos a nuestro centro para CVE programada con seguimiento de un año. La TFGe se obtuvo mediante la fórmula CKD-EPI en el momento basal y a los 3 y 12 meses. Se midieron biomarcadores antes de la CVE y a los 12 meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron 92 pacientes con FA persistente, edad media de 64 ± 11 años. Al año de seguimiento y en el total de pacientes, la TFGe se redujo de 86,5 [74,6-97,6 a 84,5 [71,7-95,1 ml/min/1,73 m2 (p = 0,002) y la creatinina aumentó de 0,80 [0,72-0,94] mg/dl a 0,83 [0,74-0,97] mg/dl (p = 0,005). La TFGe se redujo al final del seguimiento, sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los pacientes que presentaron recurrencia a los 12 meses y los que no. Las cifras de BNP y corina mejoraron a los 12 meses, mientras que las de galectina-3 no cambiaron, sin relación con la TFGe. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con FA persistente tratados con CVE programada se observó un empeoramiento de la TFGe al año de seguimiento. Los niveles de BNP y corina mejoraron al año de seguimiento. No hubo diferencias en los niveles de galectina-3.

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies have linked the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) with a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Objective: to compare the evolution of eGFR in patients with persistent AF after elective electrical cardioversion (ECV) based on the existence or not of recurrences, as well as the evolution of various biomarkers. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort of patients with persistent AF referred to our center for elective EVC with a 1-year follow-up. The eGFR was obtained using the CKD-EPI formula at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. Biomarkers were measured before ECV and at 12 months. Results: 92 patients with persistent AF were included, mean age 64 ± 11 years. At one year of follow-up and in all patients, the eGFR decreased from 86.5 [74.6-97.6 to 84.5 [71.7-95.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.002) and creatinine increased from 0.80 [0.72-0.94] mg/dl to 0.83 [0.74-0.97] mg/dl (p = 0.005). The eGFR was reduced at the end of the follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between the patients who had recurrence at 12 months and those who did not. BNP and corin levels improved at 12 months, while galectin-3 did not change, unrelated to eGFR. Conclusions: In patients with persistent AF treated with elective ECV, a worsening of eGFR was observed at one year of follow-up. BNP and corin levels improve at one year of follow-up, there were no differences in galectin-3 levels.

Efecto de la ablación con catéter de venas pulmonares en la función renal de pacientes con fibrilación auricular. Estudio de cohortes prospectivo / Effect of pulmonary vein catheter ablation on kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation. A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Varios estudios han relacionado la presencia de fibrilación auricular (FA) con una tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) reducida. Nuestro objetivo es comparar la evolución de la TFGe en pacientes con FA tras ablación de venas pulmonares (VP) en función del éxito de la técnica, así como estudiar la relación entre TFGe y varios biomarcadores. MÉTODOS: Cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con FA remitidos a nuestro centro para ablación de VP con seguimiento de 1 año. La TFGe se obtuvo mediante la fórmula de la Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration en el momento basal y a los 3 y 12 meses. Se midieron biomarcadores (péptido natriurético cerebral, corina y galectina-3) antes de la ablación y a los 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Se estudió a 124 pacientes (edad, 55±10 años; el 69,4% varones); 75 presentaban FA paroxística (60,5%). La media de la TFGe basal fue de 90,8 [77,8-100,0] ml/min/1,73 m2. La TFGe se incrementó al final del seguimiento, con diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los pacientes que habían sufrido recurrencia a los 12 meses y los que no (-1,1 [-6,0 a 8,8] frente a 7,1 [-0,6 a 14,2] ml/min/1,73 m2; p = 0,017). La mejora de la TFGe a los 12 meses fue inversamente proporcional a la TFGe basal. Las cifras de péptido natriurético cerebral y corina mejoraron a los 12 meses, mientras que los de galectina-3 empeoraron, sin relación con la TFGe. CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con FA tratados con ablación de VP, se observó una mejora general de la TFGe, más marcada en el subgrupo que no tuvo recurrencias, aunque sin diferencias significativas en el análisis multivariante

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have linked the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Our objective was to compare changes in eGFR in patients with AF after pulmonary vein (PV) ablation depending on the success of the technique, as well as to examine the relationship between eGFR and several biomarkers. METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients with AF referred to our center for PV ablation with a 1-year follow-up. We estimated eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. Biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptide, corin, and galectin-3) were measured before ablation and at 12 months. RESULTS: We studied 124 patients (age 55±10 years, 69.4% men). Seventy-five had paroxysmal AF (60.5%). The mean baseline eGFR was 90.8 [77.8-100.0] mL/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR increased at the end of follow-up, with a statistically significant difference between patients with recurrence at 12 months and those without (−1.1 [-6.0 to 8.8] mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 7.1 [−0.6 to 14.2] mL/min/1.73 m2, P=.017). The improvement in eGFR at 12 months was inversely proportional to baseline eGFR. B-type natriuretic peptide and corin levels improved at 12 months, while galectin-3 levels worsened, which was unrelated to eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF treated with PV ablation, an overall improvement in eGFR was observed, which was more marked in the subgroup without recurrences, although without significant differences on multivariate analysis

Plasma Cell-Rich Acute Rejection in Renal Transplantation: A Case Report.

Plasma cell-rich acute rejection (PCAR) is a rare type of allograft rejection in renal transplantation. It is characterized by the presence of mature plasma cells that compromise more than 10% of inflammatory cells infiltrating the renal graft. The pathogenesis of PCAR is unknown, appears late, and has been related mainly to insufficient immunosuppression or infections. The treatment is not clearly defined, and the graft survival is poor. Here, we report a case series of 3 Spanish patients diagnosed with PCAR accompanied by donor-specific antibodies (DSA) after kidney transplantation. Mean to diagnosis was 2-12 years post-transplantation, and they began with abrupt deterioration of renal function. All patients were women and had preceding viral infection. In addition, two of the three patients recognize a doubtful adherence to immunosuppression. About treatment, 2 of the 3 patients, because the biopsy of the renal graft showed signs suggestive of incipient antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) (glomerulitis, capilaritis, transplant glomerulopathy), were started with corticosteroids, anti-thymoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulins. The last patient, who only showed PCAR at biopsy, was treated with corticosteroids and anti-thymoglobulin. After treatment, graft function improved in all of them, but one patient developed an ABMR and another required a dialysis program, all of which indicates the difficulty in management and treatment of PCAR.

Effect of pulmonary vein catheter ablation on kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation. A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have linked the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Our objective was to compare changes in eGFR in patients with AF after pulmonary vein (PV) ablation depending on the success of the technique, as well as to examine the relationship between eGFR and several biomarkers. METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients with AF referred to our center for PV ablation with a 1-year follow-up. We estimated eGFR using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. Biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptide, corin, and galectin-3) were measured before ablation and at 12 months. RESULTS: We studied 124 patients (age 55±10 years, 69.4% men). Seventy-five had paroxysmal AF (60.5%). The mean baseline eGFR was 90.8 [77.8-100.0] mL/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR increased at the end of follow-up, with a statistically significant difference between patients with recurrence at 12 months and those without (-1.1 [-6.0 to 8.8] mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 7.1 [-0.6 to 14.2] mL/min/1.73 m2, P=.017). The improvement in eGFR at 12 months was inversely proportional to baseline eGFR. B-type natriuretic peptide and corin levels improved at 12 months, while galectin-3 levels worsened, which was unrelated to eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF treated with PV ablation, an overall improvement in eGFR was observed, which was more marked in the subgroup without recurrences, although without significant differences on multivariate analysis.

Validación del KDRI/KPDI para la selección de donantes renales con criterios expandidos / Validation of KDRI/KDPI for the selection of expanded criteria kidney donors

INTRODUCCIÓN: El KDRI y su variante KDPI son dos herramientas utilizadas para la valoración del donante renal. Se ha propuesto la utilidad del KDPI como sustituto/complementario a la biopsia renal preimplantación. Estos scores no están validados en España. OBJETIVO: 1) Investigar la concordancia entre los scores KDPI e histológico (biopsia renal preimplantación), y 2) valorar la relación entre el KDRI, KDPI y la puntuación histológica sobre la supervivencia del injerto, en donantes con criterios expandidos (ECD). METODOLOGÍA: Estudio de cohortes, unicéntrico, retrospectivo desde el 1 de enero de 1998 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2010. RESULTADOS: Se reclutaron 120 donantes y 220 biopsias preimplantación. Ciento cuarenta y cuatro (65,5%) injertos fueron aptos para trasplante. Setenta y seis (34,5%) fueron descartados. Tiempo medio de seguimiento 6,4 años (ds 3,9). Edad media de los donantes 63,1 años (ds 8,2), varones (145; 65,9%), no diabéticos (191; 86,8%) y sin otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular (173; 78,6%). Causa de muerte mayoritaria ACV hemorrágico (153; 69,5%). La puntuación KDPI media entre los grupos riñón válido (1,56/89; ds 0,22) y no válido (1,66/93; ds 0,15) es estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,01). El KDPI mostró una concordancia y correlación moderadas con el score histológico (AUC 0,64/coeficiente de correlación 0,24, p < 0,01). Los scores KDPI (HR 24,3, p < 0,01) y KDRI (HR 23,3, p < 0,01) están relacionados con la supervivencia del injerto en el análisis multivariante. CONCLUSIÓN: 1) Los scores KDPI e histológico presentan una concordancia moderada. 2) Las puntuaciones KDPI, y sobre todo KDRI, son válidas para estimar la supervivencia de los injertos y pueden ser utilizadas de forma combinada con la biopsia para la toma de decisiones individualizadas en el grupo de donantes con criterios expandidos

INTRODUCTION: KDRI / KDPI are tools use in kidney donor evaluation. It has been proposed as a substitute of, or complementary to preimplantation renal biopsy. These scores has not been validated in Spain. OBJECTIVE: 1) To investigate the concordance between KDPI and histological scores (preimplantation renal biopsy) and 2) To assess the relationship between KDRI, KDPI and histological score on graft survival in the expanded criteria donors group. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective cohort study from 1 January 1998 until 31 December 2010. RESULTS: During the study 120 donors were recruited, that resulted in 220 preimplantation renal biopsies. 144 (65%) grafts were considered suitable for kidney transplantation. 76 (34.5%) were discarded. Median follow up has been 6.4 years (sd 3.9). Median age 63.1 years (sd 8.2), males (145; 65.9%), non-diabetic (191; 86.8%) and without another cardiovascular risk factors (173; 78.6%). 153 (69.5%) donors died of cerebrovascular disease. There were significant differences in KDRI/KDPI score in both groups 1.56/89 (sd 0.22) vs 1.66/93 (sd 0.15), p < 0.01). The KDPI showed moderate concordance and correlation with the histological score (AUC 0.64 / correlation coefficient 0.24, p <0.01). KDPI (HR 24.3, p < 0.01) and KDRI (HR 23.3, p < 0.01) scores were associated with graft survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: 1) KPDI and histological scores show moderate concordance. The utility of both scores as combined tools it has to be determined. 2) KDPI score, and especially KDRI score, are valid for estimating graft survival and combined with the biopsy can help to individualized decision making in the expanded criteria donors pool

Validation of KDRI/KDPI for the selection of expanded criteria kidney donors. / Validación del KDRI/KPDI para la selección de donantes renales con criterios expandidos.

INTRODUCTION: KDRI / KDPI are tools use in kidney donor evaluation. It has been proposed as a substitute of, or complementary to preimplantation renal biopsy. These scores has not been validated in Spain. OBJECTIVE: 1) To investigate the concordance between KDPI and histological scores (preimplantation renal biopsy) and 2) To assess the relationship between KDRI, KDPI and histological score on graft survival in the expanded criteria donors group. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective cohort study from 1 January 1998 until 31 December 2010. RESULTS: During the study 120 donors were recruited, that resulted in 220 preimplantation renal biopsies. 144 (65%) grafts were considered suitable for kidney transplantation. 76 (34.5%) were discarded. Median follow up has been 6.4 years (sd 3.9). Median age 63.1 years (sd 8.2), males (145; 65.9%), non-diabetic (191; 86.8%) and without another cardiovascular risk factors (173; 78.6%). 153 (69.5%) donors died of cerebrovascular disease. There were significant differences in KDRI/KDPI score in both groups 1.56/89 (sd 0.22) vs 1.66/93 (sd 0.15), p<0.01). The KDPI showed moderate concordance and correlation with the histological score (AUC 0.64 / correlation coefficient 0.24, p <0.01). KDPI (HR 24.3, p<0.01) and KDRI (HR 23.3, p<0.01) scores were associated with graft survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: 1) KPDI and histological scores show moderate concordance. The utility of both scores as combined tools it has to be determined. 2) KDPI score, and especially KDRI score, are valid for estimating graft survival and combined with the biopsy can help to individualized decision making in the expanded criteria donors pool.

Diarrea y desnutrición en paciente trasplantado renal: un caso de infección por criptosporidiosis / Diarrhea and malnutrition in kidney transplant recipient: A case of infection by cryptosporidiosis

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Importancia y gravedad de las infecciones oportunistas en el postrasplante renal: caso de absceso cerebral por Nocardia carnea y otras coinfecciones / Importance and gravity of opportunistic infections in renal transplant recipient: A case of Nocardia carnea brain abscess and other co-infections

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Anuria tras biopsia del injerto renal: intervención multidisciplinar / Anuria after renal graft biopsy: Multidisciplinary intervention

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Clinical interest of Streptococcus bovis isolates in urine / Significado clínico de los aislados de Streptococcus bovis en orina

Introduction. Streptococcus bovis includes variants related to colorectal cancer and non-urinary infections. Its role as urinary pathogen is unknown. Our objective was to assess the presence of urinary infection by S. bovis, analysing the patients and subsequent clinical course. Material and Methods. Observational study, with longitudinal data collection, performed at our centre between all the cultures requested between February and April 2015. Clinical course of the patients and response to treatment were analysed. Results. Two thousand five hundred and twenty urine cultures were analysed, of which 831 (33%) had a significant microbial count. S. bovis was isolated in 8 patients (0.96%). In 75% of these cases the urine culture was requested because of urinary tract infection symptoms; the remaining 25% because of fever of uncertain source; during the follow-up period no evidence of cancer or endocarditis was detected. S. gallolyticus subspecie pasteurianus was the only variant observed (100%). The clinical response to initial treatment was favourable in all cases. Conclusions. S. bovis bacteriuria may have clinical significance, especially when S. gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus is isolated in cases with underlying urinary tract disease (AU)

Introducción. Streptococcus bovis comprende multitud de variantes de especie relacionados con infecciones no urinarias y cáncer colorrectal. Su papel como patógeno urinario es desconocido. Nuestro objetivo fue valorar la presencia de infección urinaria por S. bovis, analizando los pacientes y su evolución clínica posterior. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, con obtención de datos longitudinal, realizado en nuestro centro entre todos los urocultivos solicitados durante entre los meses de febrero y abril de 2015. Se analizó la evolución clínica y la respuesta al tratamiento. Resultados. Se analizaron 2.520 urocultivos, de los que en 831 (33%) hubo un recuento microbiano significativo. Se aisló S. bovis en 8 (0,96%) pacientes. En el 75% de estos casos el urocultivo fue solicitado por clínica de infección del tracto urinario. El 25% restante por fiebre sin foco evidente clínicamente, no objetivando historia de cáncer y/o endocarditis durante el periodo seguimiento. La única variante presente fue S. gallolyticus subespecie pasteurianus (100%). La respuesta clínica al tratamiento inicial fue favorable en todos los casos. Conclusiones. La bacteriuria por S. bovis puede tener significación clínica, sobre todo cuando se aísla S. gallolyticus subespecie pasteurianus, en pacientes con patología previa del aparato urinario (AU)

El paciente trasplantado renal en urgencias / Renal transplant patient in emergency department

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Progression of urinary protein excretion after kidney transplantation: A marker for poor long-term prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Post-transplantation proteinuria is a risk factor for graft failure. A progressive decline in renal graft function is a predictor for mortality in kidney transplant patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the development and the progression of urinary protein excretion (UPE) in the first year post-transplant in recipients of kidney transplants and its effect on patient and graft outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 1815 patients with 24-h UPE measurements available at 3 and 12 months post-transplant. Patients were divided based on their UPE level: below 300 mg, 300-1000 mg and over 1000 mg (at 3 and 12 months), and changes over time were analysed. RESULTS: At 3 months, 65.7% had UPE below 300 mg/24 h, 29.6% 300-1000 mg/24 h and 4.7% over 1000 mg/24h. At one year, 71.6% had UPE below 300 mg/24 h, 24.1% 300-1000 mg/24 h and 4.4% over 1000 mg/24 h. In 208 patients (12%), the UPE progressed, in 1233 (70.5%) it remained stable and in 306 (17.5%) an improvement was observed. We found that the level of UPE influenced graft survival, particularly if a progression occurred. Recipient's age and renal function at one year were found to be predictive factors for mortality, while proteinuria and renal function were predictive factors for graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: Proteinuria after transplantation, essentially when it progresses, is a marker of a poor prognosis and a predictor for graft survival. Progression of proteinuria is associated with poorer renal function and lower graft survival rates.

Progression of urinary protein excretion after kidney transplantation: A marker for poor long-term prognosis / Progresión de la excreción urinaria de proteínas después del trasplante renal: un marcador de mal pronóstico a largo plazo

Introduction: Post-transplantation proteinuria is a risk factor for graft failure. A progressive decline in renal graft function is a predictor for mortality in kidney transplant patients. Objectives: To assess the development and the progression of urinary protein excretion (UPE) in the first year post-transplant in recipients of kidney transplants and its effect on patient and graft outcomes. Materials and methods: We analysed 1815 patients with 24-h UPE measurements available at 3 and 12 months post-transplant. Patients were divided based on their UPE level: below 300mg, 300–1000mg and over 1000mg (at 3 and 12 months), and changes over time were analysed. Results: At 3 months, 65.7% had UPE below 300mg/24h, 29.6% 300–1000mg/24h and 4.7% over 1000mg/24h. At one year, 71.6% had UPE below 300mg/24h, 24.1% 300–1000mg/24h and 4.4% over 1000mg/24h. In 208 patients (12%), the UPE progressed, in 1233 (70.5%) it remained stable and in 306 (17.5%) an improvement was observed. We found that the level of UPE influenced graft survival, particularly if a progression occurred. Recipient's age and renal function at one year were found to be predictive factors for mortality, while proteinuria and renal function were predictive factors for graft survival. Conclusions: Proteinuria after transplantation, essentially when it progresses, is a marker of a poor prognosis and a predictor for graft survival. Progression of proteinuria is associated with poorer renal function and lower graft survival rates (AU)

Introducción: La proteinuria después de un trasplante renal constituye un factor de riesgo para el fallo del injerto. Una disminución progresiva de la función del injerto renal es un predictor de la mortalidad en los pacientes trasplantados renales. Objetivos: Analizar la aparición y la progresión de una excreción urinaria de proteínas (EUP) en el primer año siguiente al trasplante en pacientes trasplantados renales, y su efecto sobre la evolución del paciente y del injerto. Material y métodos: Analizamos un total de 1815 pacientes en los que se dispuso de determinaciones de la EUP de 24 horas a los 3 y a los 12 meses del trasplante. Dividimos a los pacientes según el nivel de EUP, de la siguiente forma: inferior a 300mg, 300-1000mg y más de 1000mg (a los 3 y 12 meses), y analizamos los cambios a lo largo del tiempo. Resultados: A los 3 meses, el 65,7% presentaban una EUP inferior a 300mg/24h, el 29,6% 300-1000mg/24h y el 4,7% más de 1000mg/24h. A un año, el 71,6% tenían una EUP inferior a 300mg/24h, el 24,1% 300-1000mg/24h y el 4,4% más de 1000mg/24h. En 208 pacientes (12%), la EUP mostró una progresión, en 1233 (70,5%) se mantuvo estable y en 306 (17,5%) se observó una mejoría. Observamos que el nivel de EUP influía en la supervivencia del injerto, en especial si se producía una progresión. La edad y la función renal del receptor al año del trasplante fueron factores predictivos de la mortalidad, mientras que la proteinuria y la función renal lo fueron de la supervivencia del injerto. Conclusiones: La proteinuria después del trasplante, fundamentalmente cuando muestra una progresión, es un marcador de mal pronóstico y un factor predictivo de la supervivencia del injerto. La progresión de la proteinuria se asocia a una peor función renal y a una tasa de supervivencia del injerto inferior (AU)

[Assessment of long-term renal function after nephrectomy. Study of 53 patients]. / Estudio de la función renal a largo plazo en 53 pacientes con nefrectomía por diversas causas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with unilateral nephrectomy maintain the remaining kidney function over time, as it has been described in healthy kidney donors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study of 53 patients who were followed 5 or more years after nephrectomy. Serum creatinine, BUN, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) (24 hours urine collection and Cockcroft formula), microalbuminuria, proteinuria, Body Mass Index and the annual loss rate of renal function were measured or calculated over the follow-up period. We retrospectively considered the presence of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, microalbuminuria, dyslipemia, smoking habit, obesity and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor antagonists treatment. We divided our patients into two groups: group I (normal or mild renal failure: GFR > 50 cc/min and or serum creatinine < 1.4 mg/dL) and group II (moderate or severe renal failure). RESULTS: The main cause of nephrectomy was renal tuberculosis, followed by lithiasis and pyonephrosis. In addition, 7.5% of patients were kidney donors. At the time of study, 22.7% had diabetes, 60.4% hypertension and 39.6% were obese. The mean age was 60 years (37 years at the moment of nephrectomy). The GFR final mean was 53.6 cc/min (58.8 cc/min by Cockcroft formula). The mean renal function loss rate was 1 cc/min/year. 35% of the patients had moderate or severe kidney failure and were included in group II; 32% had proteinuria and 56.6% had abnormal microalbuminuria. The univariate risk factors analysis for the development of renal failure showed inter-group statistical significative differences in current age, nephrectomy age, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and hypertension prevalence (p = 0.008). With regard to the progression rate, we found a significant correlation with final microalbuminuria (r = 0.358, p = 0.03). Current age and final proteinuria were found to be significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of renal insufficiency was found among patients with unilateral nephrectomy, which is mainly related to age and proteinuria. The renal function loss rate is slow and is influenced by microalbuminuria.