Correlation of serum neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin with disease severity in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered central to the pathogenesis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Serum level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is closely related to endothelial injury. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation of serum NGAL with disease severity in HDP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study was carried out for one year. After informed consent, ethical clearance, total 1,850 pregnant women were screened. Analysis was performed on 142 cases of HDP and 31 healthy controls. Quantitative measurement of serum NGAL levels was done by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, by using sandwich ELISA kit. RESULTS: Mean serum NGAL value in patients with oliguria was significantly higher when compared with non-oliguric patients (P < 0.001). Serum NGAL had a positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r ~ 0.5973), diastolic blood pressure (r ~ 0.6195), blood urea (r ~ 0.4392), serum creatinine (r ~ 0.6112), serum uric acid (r ~ 0.3878). Sensitivity and specificity of serum NGAL using a cut-off value of 545 pg/ml, for the diagnosis of HDP, was 97.89% and 93.55% respectively, using 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSION: Between the two groups, we found that serum NGAL had a positive correlation with disease severity and better sensitivity and specificity in the evaluation of HDP.