Predictive Value of Serum Interleukins in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been suggested in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), with conflicting results. This study was performed to identify alteration of different serum interleukins (ILs) in children with INS, and their predictive value in response to steroid treatment. Three groups of children (27; steroid-sensitive INS, 21; steroid-resistant INS, and 19 healthy controls) with normal serum C3, negative serologic tests of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immune deficiency virus (HIV), and parasitic infections were included in this study. Serum concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, and IL-18 were measured, using quantitative colorimetric sandwich ELISA kits. Children with secondary nephrotic syndrome, inflammations, systemic disorders, and chronic kidney disease were excluded. The serum concentration of all ILs; except IL-13 and IL-18; was significantly higher in children with INS, compared with the healthy controls. Serum IL-2 had the highest sensitivity of (95.24%) in patients with INS. All of the serum ILs had acceptable accuracy in children with INS, compared with the control group. The serum concentration of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 was significantly higher in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), compared with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). All of these ILs had acceptable accuracy for the prediction of steroid response in patients with INS. Our findings suggested the pathogenic role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in children with INS, of which IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 were accurate biomarkers for the prediction of steroid response in these patients.

Validity of urine neutrophile gelatinase-associated lipocalin in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux.

BACKGROUND: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common congenital urinary tract abnormality in children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 69 patients were evaluated in 2 groups with (32) and without (37) VUR. Patients with secondary VUR, infectious or inflammatory disorders, obstructive uropathies, and acute or chronic kidney disease were excluded. Urine NGAL level was measured by ELISA kit. RESULTS: Mean age of children with VUR was 36.84 ± 28.16, compared to those without VUR 32.32 ± 29.08, with no significant difference (p = 0.51). Mean urine NGAL (p = 0.012) and urine NGAL/Cr (p = 0.003) were higher in patients with VUR. In addition, urine NGAL/Cr increased significantly in patients with decreased parenchymal function, compared to those with normal DMSA scan. Using the cutoff value of 0.888, urine NGAL had 84% sensitivity and 81% specificity for diagnosis of VUR. Based on AUC (0.86), urine NGAL had acceptable diagnostic accuracy in children with VUR. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the evidence that urine NGAL/Cr is a sensitive, specific and accurate biomarker for diagnosis of children with primary VUR.