Serum neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin as a predictor of post-contrast acute kidney injury in children

Abstract

Background Diagnosis of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) by serum creatinine can be delayed because of various factors. A new biomarker neutrophilgelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is postulated to be more sensitive for recognizing patients prone to PC-AKI. Objective To assess serum NGAL changes as an early biomarker of PC-AKI in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods This observational study included 30 children with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac catheterization at the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Unit, New Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University. They had a median age of 30 months and 63% were females. Serum NGAL was measured just before the catheterization, 6hrs and 24hrs after contrast media administration while serum creatinine was measured before and after 24hrs of contrast media administration. Results Significant rise of serum NGAL was noted within 24hrs after contrast administration (p < 0.05) while serum creatinine showed a non-significant rise (p > 0.05). Serum NGAL was positively correlated with age, weight, height, body surface area and rate of contrast injection (p < 0.01). Higher levels of serum NGAL were found among patients who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization and those who received Midazolam for initial sedation during induction of anesthesia (p < 0.05). Conclusions Serum NGAL was elevated as early as 6 hours post contrast injection, however its serum level is affected by many factors. It’s important to be aware of other possible risk factors of PC-AKI rather than contrast media as type of cardiac catheterization and the anaesthetic Midazolam.