Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin in Neonates With and Without Sepsis

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) level is increased in sepsis irrespective of renal dysfunction. We investigated the effect of sepsis on the plasma level of NGAL in neonates. The aim of this study was to find whether serum NGAL is a reliable marker for early diagnosis of sepsis in neonates.Patients and We conducted a prospective observational study in a university hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Serum NGAL was measured in 120 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates were classified according to the presence of sepsis. Fifty-two Patients had sepsis. The NGAL levels were significantly higher in septic neonates compared with non-septic neonates (102.9 ± 69.9 ng/mL versus 29.2 ± 13.3 ng/mL, P value = 0.0001). An optimal cut off-point of 48 ng/mL for serum NGAL could potentially detect neonates with sepsis with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 91%, respectively. Sepsis enhances the production of plasma NGAL in critically ill neonates. Thus Plasma NGAL can help clinicians diagnose sepsis in critically ill neonates during early phases.