Urinary Beta 2-Microglobulin as a Prognostic Marker in Children With Pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in children. UTI with or without vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) may result in renal scarring. Severe renal scarring impairs renal function and may result in hypertension, renal insufficiency, and end stage renal disease requiring dialyses or transplantation. Beta 2 micro-globulin (β2MG) is a low molecular weight protein freely filtered by the glomeruli and then actively reabsorbed normally up to 99.9% in the proximal tubules; its urinary excretion is an indication of proximal tubular cell dysfunction.