Serum NGAL, KIM-1, IL-18, L-FABP: new biomarkers in the diagnostics of acute kidney injury (AKI) following invasive cardiology procedures

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selected markers in patients who underwent planned or emergency coronary angiography and to examine if they correlated with the occurrence of AKI. Methods The study included 52 patients who underwent planned or emergency coronary angiography and received contrast agent. Serum levels of markers (NGAL, L-FABP, KIM-1, IL-18) were analyzed in all patients using ELISA tests, at baseline, after 24 and 72 h from angiography. Results 9.62% of patients developed CI-AKI. No significant differences were observed between markers levels in patients who developed CI-AKI and those who did not. After 24 h, serum levels of IL-18 were higher in patients with CI-AKI, however, this difference was on the verge of significance. Increase in serum NGAL, KIM-1 and IL-18 was observed after 24 h. Serum levels of biomarkers were insignificantly higher in group with CI-AKI. Significant changes in levels in time (baseline vs. 24 h vs. 72 h) were observed only for NGAL [157.9 (92.4-221.0) vs. 201.8 (156.5-299.9) vs. 118.5 (73.4-198.7);p < 0.0001]. No significant correlations were observed between the decrease in eGFR or the increase in creatinine and biomarkers level. Conclusion Obtained results do not allow for the indication of efficient AKI biomarkers. Their further validation in large studies of CI-AKI patients is required.