Patients with critical ischemia of the lower limb are at risk of developing kidney dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to establish a relationship between critical ischemia of the lower limb and kidney dysfunction.


METHODS
At rest, urine samples were collected from three groups: group A, 16 patients with critical ischemia; group B, 22 patients with stable intermittent claudication; and group C, 12 normal individuals. Urinary N-acetyle-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzyme was measured using spectrophotometer. Microalbuminuria was measured by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the NAG activity between groups A and B, P = 0.001. Also, between group A and C, P = 0.01. There was no significant difference between groups B and C, P = 0.13. Microalbuminuria was not significantly different among the three groups: A versus B, P = 0.27; A versus C, P = 0.22; B versus C, P = 0.11.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated levels of NAG enzyme in patients with critical ischemia of the lower limb suggest that they are at greater risk of developing kidney dysfunction. This could be caused by the release of more free radicals into the systemic circulation.
Morsey
Hesham
H
Division of Surgery, Anaesthetic and Intensive Care, Imperial College School of Medicine, Vascular Unit, Hammersmith Hospital, Du cane Rd., London, W12 OHS, United Kingdom.
Aslam
Mohamed
M
Standfield
Nigel
N
D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000652:urine; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000652:urine; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000652:urine; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000652:urine; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000652:urine; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000652:urine; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase