Effect of perinatal risk factors on neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level in umbilical and peripheral blood in neonates

Abstract

IntroductionAcute kidney injury biomarkers are opening a new era in diagnosing kidney failure. The requirement for a specific and sensitive marker of kidney function is highly desirable in neonates because the diagnostic possibilities in this age group are not sufficient. Recent research show that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) can have a great potential but there is a wide range of medical conditions, that may influence their expression.The aim of the studywas to evaluate the impact of perinatal risk factors on NGAL level in neonates.Material and methodsNGAL was measured in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood in full term neonates with perinatal risk factors during the first days of life.ResultsWe found significantly higher umbilical cord blood NGAL levels in neonates with perinatal risk factors (117.69 ng/ml) compared to the control group (64.37 ng/ml). No significant difference in peripheral blood NGAL level was shown between the two groups. Umbilical cord blood NGAL level correlated positively with peripheral blood NGAL level (r = 0.36, p < 0.01). Umbilical cord blood NGAL level was significantly higher in neonates with fetal distress and infection compared to neonates with other perinatal risk factors. Peripheral blood NGAL level was significantly higher in neonates with infection compared to neonates with other perinatal risk factors. Significantly higher umbilical cord blood NGAL levels were seen in neonates born by operative delivery compared to born by natural delivery.

The Measurement of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin In Umbilical Cord Blood And The Assessment Of Its Relationship With Neonatal Results

“…(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) Although data on umbilical cord blood NGAL concentrations are insufficient, it was demonstrated that NGAL measurements could be predictive for certain diseases, such as neonatal infections. (7) Until now, no accepted reference NGAL values have been determined for neonates. Different serum and urine NGAL levels have been reported in studies by different researchers.…”

Diagnostic accuracy of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urine kidney injury molecule-1 as predictors of acute pyelonephritis in young children with febrile urinary tract infection

“…KIM-1, a type-1 transmembrane glycoprotein, is highly expressed in proximal tubule cells after ischemic or toxic AKI [18]. Numerous studies have demonstrated usefulness of both biomarkers for predicting and monitoring AKI of diverse etiologies [3, 13, 19, 20]. Recent data show also utility of NGAL and KIM-1 for detecting UTI [12, 21-23] and APN [4, 14, 18, 24] in children and adults.…”