Allograft viability determined by enzyme analysis.

Enzymatic analysis of the venous effluent of ischemically injured kidney failed to predict accurately the ability of an isochemically injured kidney to support life. Postoperative serum assay of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is of value in the assessment of the functional status of the kidney and correlates with response of the rejection episode to immunosuppression. However, by itself it cannot be a sole guide to withholding of therapy. Successful treatment is associated with a decline in LDH level, and failure to return to base line serves as a guide to irreversibility of the rejection reaction.