Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin to hepcidin ratio as a biomarker of acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients

Abstract

Background. Labile iron is important in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and hepcidin control iron metabolism and are upregulated during renal stress. However, higher levels of urinary NGAL are associated with AKI severity whereas higher urinary hepcidin levels are associated with absence of AKI. We aimed to investigate the value of combining both biomarkers to estimate the severity and progression of AKI in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods. Urinary NGAL and hepcidin were quantified within 48 hours of ICU admission in patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and early kidney dysfunction (oliguria for ..