Interfering parameters in the determination of urinary globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in patients with chronic kidney disease

Introduction Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3, CD77) represents a pivotal part of the cell membrane. Measuring the urinary Gb3 content can be used to screen patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for Fabry disease, a disorder caused by hampered Gb3 degradation. However, little is known about factors influencing urinary Gb3 excretion other than Fabry disease. The aim of the present study was to identify routine diagnostic parameters as predictors of urinary Gb3 excretion in patients with CKD.