Value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in the diagnosis of renal disorders in children with glycogen storage disease

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the value of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the diagnosis of renal disorders in children with glycogen storage disease (GSD). Patients and methods This cross-sectional study, which was conducted at Benha University Hospital, Egypt, included 50 children with GSD and apparently healthy 50 children as a control group. The level of NGAL was measured in urine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared between groups. Results The GSD group had statistically significant higher urinary NGAL (147.6±38.8 ng/ml) compared to the control group (102.1±11.4 ng/ml, P <0.001). Urinary NGAL was higher in patients with microalbuminuria, kidney injury (RIFLE >2), and patients with a higher degree of liver fibrosis. At a cutoff point more than or equal to 154 ng/ml, urinary NGAL could detect cases with microalbuminuria with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 94.7%. At a cutoff point more than or equal to 172 ng/ml, urinary NGAL could detect cases with acute kidney injury (RIFLE >2), with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%. Conclusion Urine NGAL demonstrates superior efficacy as a biomarker for the precocious identification of renal dysfunction in pediatric patients afflicted with GSDs.