Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in children

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in childhood and may have important consequences. The reference standard for the diagnosis is urine culture, but it requires time for bacterial growth. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been shown to be elevated after kidney injury. This study aims to investigate the usefullness of blood and urine NGAL levels in children with UTI. Fifty-nine patients with UTI (29 with pyelonephritis, 30 with lower UTI) and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. NGAL values were determined by using ELISA. Urine NGAL and urine NGAL/creatinine levels were significantly higher in patients with UTI than healthy controls (p [Med-Science 2022; 11(1.000): 70-4]