Abstract
Background. The use of transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy
(NIRS) for the monitoring of the perfusion of renal allografts in
paediatric population has been proposed in the last years. This device
might detect early decrease in allograft oxygenation allowing prompt
detection of vascular complications.
Methods. A systematic review of literature about the use of
transcutaneous NIRS in monitoring allograft perfusion was performed
according to the PRISMA guidelines.
Results. The authors screened 1313 papers. The search yielded
five pertinent articles. Three of them reported the experience of NIRS
in kidney transplantation, for a total of 53 paediatric patients and 50
adults. In these studies, NIRS measurements was significantly related to
serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary
neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL), serum lactate,
resistive index assessed by doppler-ultrasonography and systolic blood
pressure. In the paediatric studies no vascular complications were
encountered.
Conclusions. Preliminary studies have related NIRS monitoring to
renal allograft perfusion and function. Further investigation is needed
to establish the normal range of NIRS values for renal allografts and
the factors influencing NIRS monitoring.