The Predictivity of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocaline in the Development of Radiocontrast-Induced Nephropathy in the Intensive Care Unit Patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocaline (NGAL) levels in the development of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (rin) in intensive care unit patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Forty patients (female: male was 23:17) with a mean age of 73.7± 9.7 yrs (range= 60-94 yrs) were included in the study. Lopromide 623mg/dl (ultravist 300) (iv) was administered at a dose of 1.5 ml/kg. NGAL measurements were performed with the ELISA method on serum samples (cut-off >25 ng/ml).

RESULTS: Eight patients were diagnosed as RIN. Five of these had 20% or more increases in NGAL levels. Cases who developed RIN had a statistically signifi cant and direct correlation between the increases in NGAL and serum creatinine levels (p= 0.02). When the means of NGAL levels were compared before and six hours after the procedure, there was a signifi cant increase after the procedure (p<0.001). For 32 patients who did not develop RIN, there was no statistically signifi cant difference between NGAL levels before and six hours after the procedure (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: When compared to creatinine, plasma NGAL levels help to establish the diagnosis of RIN at a much earlier stage.