Urinary versus plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a predictor of mortality for acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients

Early progression of AKI was associated with more death within 28 and 90 days. While one time measurement of plasma NGAL levels at the time ICU admission may represent the kidney health status in critical care settings, it does not reliably predict mortality. On the other hand, changes in plasma NGAL within 48 h of admission improve the value of this biomarker in predicting ICU mortality.