Cir Cir
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality; therefore, its prophylaxis, diagnosis and intervention positively impact patient evolution. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) or lipocalin, a protein synthesized by renal tubular cells, has the property to transport lipophilic molecules such as vitamins, hormones and antigenic agents. ⋯ NGAL is of the most investigated and promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of AKI in different clinical scenarios, most notably in sepsis, cardiorenal syndrome, cardiac surgery, kidney transplant, contrast nephropathy and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Lipocalin guides the early institution of therapeutic interventions to improve prognosis in AKI of several etiologies.
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Gastroesophageal reflux occurs frequently in newborns. A relationship has been suspected between reflux and apnea of prematurity. The objective of this study is to determine this relationship, owing to the fact that premature newborns have immaturity of structures, especially esophageal smooth muscle. ⋯ We demonstrate that central apnea in the premature newborn is not a cause of gastroesophageal reflux. However, these patients are more likely to have gastroesophageal reflux in the first days of extrauterine life. It is recommended to exclude pathological gastroesophageal reflux when the newborn presents a clinical scenario compatible with central apnea.