Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicts acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

Abstract

Plasma and urinary concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are early biomarkers of acute kidney injury (AKI) [1]. Most studies about the NGAL value to predict AKI were done in patients after cardiac surgery and not enough information about its usefulness in critically ill patients exists. To analyze the predictive value of plasma NGAL to predict AKI, evaluated by RIFLE score, in critically ill patients, particularly in those with severe sepsis and septic shock.