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

Abstract

Introduction: Acute 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 study was to evaluate the impact of perinatal risk factors on NGAL level in neonates. Material and methods: NGAL was measured in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood in full term neonates with perinatal risk factors during the first days of life. Results: We 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