Lipocalin-2 As Serological Laboratory Indicator for Renal Infection In Children

Raees Abbas Lail, Maryam Rafiq

Keywords: Acute pyelonephritis, Biomarkers, Children, NGAL, UTI.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Recently, novel biomarkers for detecting renal dysfunction have gained increasing interest in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in both serum and urine are significantly elevated in a variety of renal diseases.

Objective: Evaluation of diagnostic value of serological LCN2 compared to other markers of inflammation for children having urinary tract infection.

Methods: The clinical trial was carried out at Pathological Departments at Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal from January 2024 to June 2025. A total of 86 participants aged > 5 years with their primary presentation of urinary tract infection with or without fever were recruited on the basis of DMSA scan, Participants then divided cohorts: those diagnosed as upper and lower urinary system microbial invasive disorder.

Results: Fever occurred significantly more frequently in the APN group, and the febrile period prior to antimicrobial therapy markedly prolonged compared with lower UTI group. Children with APN showed significantly elevated median LCNN2 levels as well as higher PCT, CRP, and ESR values compared with those diagnosed with lower UTI. No meaningful diversity of leukocyte counts of the APN or lower UTI groups detected.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that NGAL may be a useful tool for prompt diagnosis and early management, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Acute pyelonephritis, Biomarkers, Children, NGAL, UTI