Current opinion in hematology
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Curr. Opin. Hematol. · Jan 2011
ReviewNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a marker of acute renal disease.
Acute renal disease has major prognostic impact in hospitalized patients. Early diagnosis using renal function markers such as serum creatinine or urinary output and effective treatment are currently not possible. This review focuses on recent studies examining the biological characteristics and the diagnostic and prognostic value of a novel biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), in patients at risk for acute renal disease. ⋯ NGAL fulfills many characteristics of an appropriate 'real-time' renal biomarker. The data on NGAL could justify re-assessment of the concept and definition of acute kidney injury.