Serum Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein level in children with various renal diseases.

Serum Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THGP) concentrations were measured by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using peroxidase-labeled THGP in 168 patients, aged 10.5 +/- 4.6 years, with various renal diseases. Using this method, THGP was determined in the concentration range of 10-10(3) micrograms/l. Serum THGP levels ranged from 130 to 350 micrograms/l in 32 control subjects, aged 1-16 years with normal renal function. In most patients with renal disease, the serum THGP levels were lower than those in control subjects. In particular, the serum THGP levels were more reduced according to the decrease in the clearance values of endogenous creatinine (CCR). These findings suggested that the measurement of serum THGP levels is helpful in the evaluation of renal function. On the other hand, 3 patients with vesicoureteric reflux showed higher serum THGP levels than control subjects, though the CCR values in 1 of these patients was lower. These high serum THGP levels may be the result of urinary backflow into circulation.