Urinary NGAL and KIM-1 Are the Early Detecting Biomarkers of Preterm Infants with Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in neonates. However, early diagnosis is difficult. Different biomarkers for early diagnosis of AKI, such as NGAL, KIM-1, Cys-C, IL-18, β2-microglobulin have been proposed. But regarding premature infant, there is very little research that has been reported. Objectives: To investigate the role of urinary NGAL and Kim-1 biomarkers for early diagnosis of AKI in premature neonates. Methods: Eighty cases were divided into experimental group (60 cases) and controls group (20 cases). Of 60 cases, 24 patients met the criteria for AKI group; the remaining 36 were non-AKI group. Blood and urine samples, 1 ml each, were collected from all subjects at first day, second day, third day and seventh day of life. Urine NGAL and KIM-1 were measured by ELISA. Results: The urinary NGAL and KIM-1 are significantly higher in AKI group than Non-AKI group and normal control group in the first three days. They present earlier than classical Scr. Conclusion: Urinay NGAL and Kim-1 are beneficial biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AKI in preterm neonates.