Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We assessed the predictive value of blood neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in predicting the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI) in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we examined the medical records of sepsis patients admitted to the ICU. After ICU admission, blood samples were taken at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the concentrations of serum creatinine, NGAL, and IL-18 were determined. RESULTS: This study comprised a total of 197 participants, 104 of whom had AKI and 93 of whom did not. Blood concentrations of NGAL and IL-18 increased prior to serum creatinine levels. Between 6-48 hours after ICU administration, NGAL and IL-18 levels in the AKI group were considerably higher than those in the non-AKI group, and creatinine levels between the two groups were significantly different after 48 hours. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the curve of NGAL and IL-18 for predicting AKI was 0.781 and 0.883, respectively. CONCLUSION: Blood NGAL and IL-18 are potential biomarkers for the early prediction of AKI in sepsis patients in the ICU.