Evaluation of renal function with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in patients with ıron deficiency anemia

The objective is to investigate the potential adverse effects of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on renal functions by utilizing plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) levels. From September 2021 to February 2022, plasma NGAL levels, hemogram, biochemical parameters were assessed in all participants. They were divided into three groups: Group I (non-anemic iron deficiency), Group II (iron deficiency anemia), and Group III (healthy controls), with comparative analyses conducted. Group I had 38 individuals, Group II had 75 individuals, and Group III included 57 individuals. Plasma NGAL levels were higher in Groups I and II compared to Group III, with no significant difference between Groups I and II. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.63 for NGAL in distinguishing Group II from Group III. No significant disparities were found in serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate levels among the groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma NGAL levels and ferritin, iron, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels. Plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in adult patients with non-anemic iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia compared to the healthy group. This suggests that elevated plasma NGAL levels in these patients might indicate renal injury due to various mechanisms.