title: Studies of serum beta-2-microglobulin in the initial postoperative period after kidney transplantation.
abstract: Determinations of serum beta 2-microglobulin (s-beta 2-m) were made in daily serum samples from 31 patients, in the initial postoperative period after renal transplantation. In the majority of acute rejection episodes s-beta 2-m preceded an increase of serum creatinine. Bacterial infection in this early posttransplant period did not seem to induce an increase of s-beta 2-m. S-beta 2-m determinations might be used in monitoring antirejection therapy, but this needs to be further investigated.
mesh_terms: D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000628:therapy; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D003404:Creatinine