Comparing the Urinary Value of N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG) and β2-Microglobulinuria (β2M) in Acute Kidney Damage in Children

Abstract

Background: At this study, we aimed to compare the urinary value of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) with β2-microglobulinuria (β2M) to find the best marker for early diagnosis of acute kidney damage in children. These markers were used instead of routine evaluations of renal function tests such as creatinine (Cr). Methods: This study was conducted on 80 pediatric patients with the age range of 3 to 16 years old. They were categorized into patients with glomerular disease, tubular disease, and finally patients who had urological problems. Urinary NAG, β2M and Cr were measured. The ratio of NAG/Cr and β2M/Cr was compared between the groups. For analysis, one way ANOVA, chi-square, post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. Findings: The mean of NAG/Cr in glomerular disease group was significantly more than the other groups (P 0.05). The mean of NAG/Cr in two groups of patients with tubular and urological disease was more than control group (P > 0.05). In patients with glomerular disease group, the mean of β2M/Cr ration was more than other groups. Besides, the mean of β2M/Cr in two groups of patients with tubular and urological disease was more than control group (P > 0.05). In all groups, the diagnostic value of NAG/Cr was more than β2M/Cr. Conclusion: Urinary measurement of NAG/Cr is a simple, cost benefit and non-invasive method which can be used to detect early stages of renal injury such as glomerular, tubular or urological problems.

Keywords

• N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG)
• β2-microglobulinuria
• Acute kidney injury
• Glomerular disease