Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C: potential biomarkers for early prediction of acute kidney injury in pediatric male patients

AKI is a common severe condition, Kidneys are affected by AKI due to the circumstances of death, such as trauma or anoxia, or complications of subsequent treatment. AKI can progress to chronic Kidney disease (CKD). To prevent progression, this study aims to estimate the relationship between NGAL and cystatin C and other parameters in AKI patients. The study was to detect the level of serum markers in AKI patients in Kerbala City. 120 pediatric male samples were divided into two groups of 90 patients and 30 healthy controls matched for age and sex. The serum NGAL and Cystatin C levels. Kidney function tests ( Creatinine and Urea, BUN, GFR, Electrolytes, and Urine output), and Biochemical tests (CRP and Albumin) were measured the mean of age in (AKI) patients (5.94±4.93) with controls (7.70±5.02). A highly significant difference increased NGAL between patients (5.69±1.23) and controls (2.30±0.28) and Cystatin C between patients (12.50±2.88) and controls (5.32±1.71) at P≤0.01. The study showed higher serum NGAL and Cystatin C and related to early predicting renal complication. High levels of (serum Creatinine, serum Urea, CRP, Chloride (Cl), and BUN) in AKI and lower each of (glomerular filtration rate GFR, K, Albumin, and Urine output).