Study of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury in Post Hepatitis C Decompensated Cirrhotics

Abstract Background The biomarker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein involved in complex biological activities such as bacteriostatic effects, cell proliferation and differentiation, and cellular apoptosis. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may result in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Aim and Objectives to investigate the accuracy of serum level of Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker for early detection of Acute Kidney Injury and predict survival in patient with post hepatitis C decompensated cirrhotics. Patients and Methods A total of 90 subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus infection from outpatient clinics and the inpatient department of Internal Medicine department, Menoufia University hospital, was enrolled into this study. Results there was significant difference between both groups regarding baseline biochemical data and Baseline complete blood picture and NGAL. There was positive correlation between NGAL and each of MELD score, serum creatinine, TB, DB, ALT, AST, ALP while there was negative correlation with platelets. Conclusion There is no single ideal biomarker that had not been identified as the only diagnostic biomarker for AKI. However, NGAL accomplishes high sensitivity which is highly needed in life threatening conditions with high morbidity and mortality.