Value of point-of-care neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin in early diagnosis of acute kidney injury in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction after coronary angiography

Background: Increased neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels are associated with toxic or ischemic renal injury. Objective: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of serial NGAL measurements with a point-of-care assay in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) for earlier detection of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Materials and methods: A total of 84 patients with LVSD patients referred for coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled in the study. The study population was divided into two groups as the CIN and the non-CIN groups according to the CIN's determination. The serum creatinine levels were calculated 24 h before the procedure and at the 48th and 72nd h after the cardiac catheterization. The plasma NGAL concentration was measured before and at 4 and 24 h after the cardiac catheterization. Results: Baseline and serial NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients with CIN compared to the patients without CIN. NGAL 24th h levels after the index procedure were found to be an independent and significant predictor of CIN in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Serial point-of-care NGAL measurements might help earlier detection of CIN in patients with heart failure after coronary angiography.