A method for the early identification and prediction of an abrupt reduction in
kidney function in a patient undergoing cardiothoracic (CT)
surgery, including Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass (CPB), comprises contacting a
urine sample from the patient with a capture molecule for a biomarker, especially πGST, specific for the distal region of the
renal tubule and which biomarker is released from said region when there is damage to said region indicative and predictive of an abrupt reduction in
kidney function, the biomarker being detectable as early as intraoperatively or in the
recovery stage post CT
surgery, for example prior to transfer of the patient to the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU), allowing for immediate corrective medical intervention. The method can be used to detect
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and a requirement for
Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) namely
dialysis, earlier than two hours post CT
surgery and as early as zero hours post or during CT surgery or CPB.