Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Levels in Neonates

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common in preterm infants and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. New biomarkers for the early detection of AKI have been identified. Specifically, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) is a new and powerful biomarker for AKI and sepsis. Our study evaluated the reference range of uNGAL in healthy neonates in Taiwan.MethodsThis study examined 24 preterm and 38 term infants without clinical complications. Urine samples were collected and the uNGAL values were measured at postnatal age (PNA) 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days in the preterm infants and at PNA 3 days in the term infants. The uNGAL values were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe median uNGAL values in the preterm infants at PNA 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days were 41.52 ng/mL, 35.82 ng/mL, 43.79 ng/mL, and 30.85 ng/mL, respectively. The median value at PNA 3 days in the term infants was 88.1 ng/mL. No significant differences associated with gestational age, birth body weight, or PNA were observed among the preterm infants. However, the uNGAL values in the female term infants were higher than those in the male term infants (p = 0.003).ConclusionThis study presents preliminary data on uNGAL levels in neonates in Taiwan. A large-scale study investigating the correlations between uNGAL and with gestational age, birth body weight, sex, and PNA is recommended.