Urinary biomarkers in the early detection and follow-up of tubular injury in childhood urolithiasis

Background

To investigate relationships among urinary biomarkers [kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG)], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and renal tubular injury in childhood urolithiasis.

Methods

Seventy children [36 girls, mean age: 7.3 ± 5.0 years (0.5–18.2)] with urolithiasis/microlithiasis and 42 controls [18 girls, mean age: 8.5 ± 3.8 years (0.9–16.2)] were included in this multicenter, controlled, prospective cohort study. Patients were evaluated three times in 6-month intervals (0, 6 and 12th months). Anthropometric data, urinary symptoms, family history and diagnostic studies were recorded. Urine samples were analyzed for metabolic risk factors (urinary calcium, uric acid, oxalate, citrate, cystine, magnesium, and creatinine excretion), and the urinary KIM-1, NAG, and NGAL levels were measured.

Results

Stones were mostly located in the upper urinary system (82.9%), and six patients (8.6%) had hydronephrosis. Thirty patients (42.9%) had several metabolic risk factors, and the most common metabolic risk factor was hypocitraturia (22.9%). Urinary KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr and NGAL/Cr ratios were not significantly different between patients and controls. Furthermore, no significant changes in their excretion were shown during follow-up. Notably, the urinary KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr, and NGAL/Cr levels were significantly higher in children under 2 years of age (p = 0.011, p = 0.006, and 0.015, respectively). NAG/Cr and NGAL/Cr ratios were significantly increased in patients with hydronephrosis (n = 6, p = 0.031 and 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that none of the aforementioned urinary biomarkers (KIM-1, NAG and NGAL levels) may be useful for the early detection and/or follow-up of renal tubular injury and/or dysfunction in childhood urolithiasis.