Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
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Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) exists as monomers, homodimers, and NGAL/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) complexes. Circulating neutrophils are activated in ongoing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); therefore, plasma NGAL levels are likely to be increased in DIC. We investigated the diagnostic performance of the plasma NGAL level in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with DIC and determined the prognostic value of NGAL. ⋯ Plasma free and total NGAL proved to be powerful markers for AKI in DIC patients and plasma free NGAL also has a prognostic relevance in DIC patients without AKI.
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Clinical data of serial interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) testing in routine laboratory practice are limited. IFN-γ response to mitogen is used as a positive control in IGRA. We assessed the association between IFN-γ response to nil, mitogen, tuberculosis (TB) mycobacterial antigens, and the variations from the results of the serial testing. ⋯ Because IGRAs are dynamic assays, integrated interpretation of quantitative TB response with mitogen and nil response would be helpful in serial QFT-GIT. Recommendations for the interpretation of results of serial testing for active TB will be required.