Could neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C predict the development of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with stable angina and normal serum creatinine values?

The value of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was highlighted as a novel biomarker for the detection of acute renal failure. We tested the hypothesis whether NGAL could represent an early biomarker of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in 100 patients with normal serum creatinine values undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). In addition, we assessed serum and urinary NGAL in relation to cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum and urinary creatinine in these patients. We measured urinary and serum NGAL values before and 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after the PCI. We found a significant rise in serum NGAL levels 2, 4, and 8 h after the PCI and in urinary NGAL values 4, 8, and 24 h after a PCI procedure. Cystatin C rose significantly 24 h after the procedure. The prevalence of CIN was 11%. The NGAL levels were significantly higher 2 h after the PCI (serum NGAL) or 4 h after the PCI (urinary NGAL), whereas the cystatin C values were higher only 8 and 24 h after a PCI procedure in patients with CIN. In multivariate analysis, only serum creatinine was a predictor of serum NGAL before a PCI. NGAL may represent a sensitive early biomarker of renal impairment after PCI. Serum creatinine level, the presence of diabetes, and the duration of the PCI may affect serum NGAL values and kidney function following a PCI procedure. (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.