Glomerular hyperfiltration and β-2 microglobulin as biomarkers of incipient renal dysfunction in cancer survivors

Abstract

Herein, we aimed to evaluate the occurrence of impaired renal function after cancer treatment with potentially nephrotoxic chemotherapy in children. A cross-sectional study was performed in 41 cancer survivors after chemotherapy with potentially nephrotoxic drugs. 26 (63.4%) children were detected with glomerular hyperfiltration, and urinary levels of β-2 microglobulin (B2MG) were higher than reference range in all patients. Levels of B2MG were positively correlated with plasma creatinine and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. Plasma creatinine, systolic blood pressure and cholesterol were independently associated with B2MG values. The final multivariate model for glomerular hyperfiltration risk included plasma levels of urea and of magnesium. Urinary levels of B2MG and glomerular hyperfiltration may emerge as potential biomarkers of early renal dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors.