Urinary Decoy Cell Grading and Its Clinical Implications

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Examination of urine for decoy cells (DCs) is a useful screening test for polyomavirus (PV) activation. We explored the significance of the amount of DCs in persistent shedding, PV nephropathy and acute rejection. METHODS: A case-controlled study was performed in 88 renal allograft patients who had DCs detected at least once in four or more urine samples. RESULTS: Fifty one patients were classified into the high-grade shedding group (HG) and 37 patients into the low-grade shedding group (LG) according to DC shedding (> or =10 or or =10 DCs/10 HPF is associated with sustained shedding, polymerase chain reaction positivity and PV nephropathy, but not a predictor of acute rejection.