Is neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin a good diagnostic marker for renal injury in asphyxiated preterm infants?

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) for becoming a good endogenous marker of renal function in asphyxial preterm babies.

Materials and Methods: This is a two-center retrospective study. Between October 2016 and October 2017, 71 asphyxial preterm infants were included in asphyxia group. Seventy babies were randomly included in control group. Samples were tested at 24, 48, and 96 h after birth. Quantitative data were compared by independent sample t -test or repeated measures ANOVA. For qualitative data, Pearson's Chi-squared test was performed. Draw ROC and compare the area under the curve (AUC), 95% confidence interval for AUC, specificity (Spe), sensitivity (Sen), and Youden index (Sen+Spe-1) at 24-h, 48-h, and 96-h time points.

Results: (1) There are no significant differences concerning on baseline data. However, blood gas, Apgar score, and resuscitation showed a significant difference ( P < 0.05). (2) In 24-h samples, only uNGAL and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed differences between the two groups ( P < 0.05). In 48-h samples, significant differences could be found in uKIM-1, uNGAL, blood urea nitrogen, and eGFR ( P < 0.05). In 96-h samples, almost all indicators have significant differences except urine output and eGFR ( P < 0.05). (3) All biomarkers showed statistical difference in the three time points ( P < 0.05), but only uNGAL showed a downward trend after the increase of expression. (4) uNGAL has better Sen and Spe than other indicators (24-h AUC 0.870, Youden index 0.606; 48-h AUC 0.879, Youden index 0.692; and 96-h AUC 0.806, Youden index 0.606).

Conclusion: uNGAL has a better distinguishability in asphyxial neonates compared with other indicators. Certainly, a larger sample, prospective study is still needed.