Abstract
Introduction: Identification of patients with renal damage after UTI with a simple test would be of value in pediatric practice. In previous studies a significant increase of Tamm-Horsfall (TH) antibodies was found in acute pyelonephritis, especially in children with vesico-ureteric reflux. In contrast patients with renal scarring and no recent UTI had low levels of IgG TH antibodies (Fasth et al. J Pediatr 95:54, 1979). This is of special interest since recent findings suggest an important role of the tubular TH protein in the development of tubulointerstitial nephritis (Hoyer & Seiler Kidney Int 16:279, 1979).
Methods: 39 children with previous UTI and renal damage but no recent infection were selected. Sera were analysed for antibodies to TH protein and creatinine levels. Renal parenchymal area was measured on IVP films by planimetry.
Results: 80% of the patients had IgG TH antibodies below -2SD of the reference. Patients with elevated creatinine had significantly lower TH antibodies than those with normal creatinine. Total renal area was correlated to the TH antibody levels (p < 0.002).
Conclusion: Patients with previous UTI and subnormal IgG anti TH levels are likely to have renal damage. Lower antibodies indicate more extensive damage.
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Hellström, M., Jodal, U., Fasth, A. et al. SUBNORMAL LEVELS OF TAMM-HORSFALL ANTIBODIES IN CHILDREN WITH PREVIOUS UTI AND RENAL DAMAGE. Pediatr Res 14, 978 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00032
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00032