NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) and cystatin C: are they good predictors of contrast nephropathy after percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with stable angina and normal serum creatinine?

The aim of the study was to assess whether NGAL and cystatin C could predict contrast-induced nephropathy in non-diabetic patients (n=60, mean age 60+/-11 years) with normal serum creatinine undergoing elective PCI. We found a significant rise in serum NGAL after 2, 4 and 8 h, and in urinary NGAL after 4, 8 and 24 h after PCI. Cystatin C rose significantly 8 and 24 h after the procedure. Prevalence of CIN was 10%. We found 90% sensitivity and 74% specificity of serum and 76% sensitivity and 80% specificity of urinary NGAL increase. NGAL may represent a sensitive early biomarkers of renal impairment after PCI.