Conclusion
Plasma and urine NGAL thresholds are early predictive biomarkers for AKI and its clinical outcomes after CPB. In neonates, we recommend a 2-hour plasma NGAL threshold of 100 ng/mL and 2-hour urine NGAL threshold of 185 ng/mL for diagnosis of AKI. In non-neonates, recommended AKI thresholds are 50 ng/mL for both 2-hour plasma and urine NGAL.
Results
AKI developed in 30% of patients. Plasma and urine NGAL thresholds significantly increased in patients with AKI at 2 hours after CPB and remained elevated at all points, with 2-hour NGAL the earliest, strongest predictor of AKI. In non-neonates, 2-hour plasma and urine NGAL thresholds strongly correlated with length of hospital stay and severity and duration of AKI.