NGAL in Acute Kidney Injury: From Serendipity to Utility

摘要

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) has reached epidemic proportions, affecting an estimated 7% of hospitalized patients, in whom it is an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity. In the critical care setting, the prevalence of AKI requiring dialysis is about 6%, with a mortality rate exceeding 60%. Once established, the treatment of AKI is largely supportive, at an annual cost surpassing dollar8 billion in the United States alone. The diagnosis currently depends on detection of reduced kidney function by the rise in serum creatinine concentration, which is a woefully inadequate measure in the acute setting for a multitude of reasons. Ironically, animal studies have identified several interventions that can prevent AKI if instituted early in the disease process, well before the serum creatinine changes.