Objective: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been reported as an useful marker to detect early contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). However most of the studies were performed in subjects taking intraarterial contrast. We aimed to evaluate the role of serum NGAL for detection of CI-AKI in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive hospitalized patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥15 mL/min/1.73m2 undergoing contrast enhanced CT. Blood samples were taken before (baseline) and after 4 hours following procedure for NGAL and for serum creatinine (SCr) 12-24 hours prior to CT and again 48 hours after administration of contrast agent. The primary outcome of the study was the development of CI-AKI.

Results: A total of 70 (male, 50%) subjects with a mean age of 61.1±16.1 years were enrolled. The mean baseline SCr was 1.02±0.39mg/dL. The incidence of CI-AKI was 5.7%. In the whole group serum NGAL decreased from median 119.7 (IQR, 126.3) ng/mL at baseline to median 87.3 (interquartile range, 72.9) ng/mL after contrast application. Subjects were classified into those with and without CI-AKI. Subjects with CI-AKI did not differ in baseline demographics, renal function, presence of systemic disorders and serum NGAL levels (baseline and 4 h) compared with those without CI-AKI.

Conclusion: In conclusion, 4 h measurement of serum NGAL does not seem a useful marker for the early detection of CI-AKI following IV contrast administration.