Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy on Renal Function in Patients with Kidney Stone Disease

Abstract

The effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on glomerular and tubular renal functions were determined by serum β₂-microglobulin (Sβ₂m) and urinary β₂-microglobulin (Uβ₂m) 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. Sβ₂m and Uβ₂m 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 β₂m excretion (Uβ₂m/h), and tubular reabsorption of β₂m (TRβ₂m) were calculated. After lithotripsy, significant increases in Uβ₂m, Uβ₂m/h, and TRβ₂m were found (p < 0.001), whereas Sβ₂m, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance values remained unchanged. Uβ₂m, Uβ₂m/h, and TRβ₂m 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.