Urinary fibrinogen is elevated in hospitalized patients undergoing angiography

Abstract

Objectives: Previously, we found that urinary fibrinogen (Fg) levels were positively related to contrast-induced acute renal injury degree in mice. Reduction of fibrinogen in heterozygous mice can improve renal function. Here, we prospectively observed the variation in urinary Fg levels in patients undergoing angiography to determine the relationship between serum creatinine (Scr) and serum cystatin C (Cys C) levels. Methods: Serum Cys C and urinary Fg levels were evaluated by ELISA before and 2, 12, and 24 h after angiography in 115 enrolled inpatients. Scr was assessed before and 24 and 48 h after angiography. Data were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Spearman correlation. Results: Urinary Fg levels were elevated as early as 2 h after angiography and decreased thereafter before returning to baseline levels 24 h after angiography. Urinary Fg was correlated with the amount of contrast agent (r = 0.24, p = 0.036) and the presence of diabetes and hypertension (r = 0.31, r = 0.28, p < 0.05, respectively). Urinary Fg levels 2 h after angiography were positively related with Cys C at 12 and 24 h and Scr at 48 h after angiography (r = 0.34, r = 0.51, r = 0.85, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Our results showed that variations in urinary Fg levels are consistent with serum Cys C and Scr in patients undergoing angiography and that urinary Fg levels were the earliest parameter to become elevated. Urinary Fg should be investigated as a useful predictor for abnormal renal function after angiography.