RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To find the value of urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in differentiating steroid response in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). METHODS: A total of 52 children with INS (n = 27, steroid resistant; n = 25, steroid responsive) aged 1-16 y, along with 18 healthy control children were enrolled in this study. Urine NGAL as well as urine protein, and serum creatinine were analyzed during active phase of INS. RESULTS: Serum creatinine (P 0.032), and urine NGAL/Cr (P 0.001) were significantly higher in steroid resistant than steroid sensitive patients. The optimal cutoff value for urine NGAL/Cr with the highest sensitivity and specificity was 0.46 ng/mg and cut off value of 0.01 and 1.15 ng/mg had maximum sensitivity and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urine NGAL/Cr could be considered as a marker of steroid resistance in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
