Renal Tubular Damage Evaluation through Enzyme Change Monitoring after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Abstract

To evaluate a possible onset of “biological effects” following ESWL lithotripsy, the Authors measured urinary excretion levels of two enzymes, NAG and GGT. In fact, a rise in the levels of these enzymes is regarded as an early and sensitive sign of renal injury. Fourteen patients with no complicated renal lithiasis were selected; the enzymatic levels before and after a single treatment with Lithostar Plus, a lithotriptor supplied with an electromagnetic impact wave generator, were measured. The results show that a single treatment doesn't produce any significant variation in their excretion. These results were discussed and their significance analysed. Probably, they could be explained by the lower pressure produced in the focal area by the impact wave, due to an electromagnetic generator.