Evaluating NGAL in Pediatric CKD: Links to Kidney Function and Mineral Metabolism
Author Information
Author(s): Steflea Ruxandra Maria, Stoicescu Emil Robert, Aburel Oana, Horhat Florin George, Vlad Silviu Valentin, Bratosin Felix, Banta Andreea-Mihaela, Doros Gabriela
Primary Institution: Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Hypothesis
Serum NGAL levels are elevated in pediatric patients with CKD and are significantly correlated with renal function and mineral metabolism parameters.
Conclusion
Elevated serum NGAL levels are associated with decreased renal function and alterations in mineral metabolism in pediatric CKD patients.
Supporting Evidence
- NGAL levels were significantly higher in CKD patients compared to controls (median 453 ng/mL vs. 78 ng/mL, p < 0.001).
- A strong negative correlation existed between NGAL and eGFR (r = –0.81, p < 0.001).
- NGAL showed moderate positive correlations with ferritin (r = 0.56, p = 0.009) and CaP product (r = 0.57, p = 0.006).
- Regression analysis confirmed NGAL as a significant predictor of eGFR, ferritin, and CaP product.
Takeaway
This study found that kids with kidney disease have higher levels of a protein called NGAL, which can help doctors understand how well their kidneys are working.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study included 54 pediatric CKD patients and 29 healthy controls, measuring serum NGAL and other parameters.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors such as pharmaceutical regimens, dietary conditions, and genetic predispositions were not controlled.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causation and the sample size may not be sufficient for robust statistical analysis.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 173 months, with a slight majority being male (51.85%) and 62.86% from urban areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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