Indices of renal tubular function in perinatal asphyxia

AIMS

To determine and compare two urinary indices of renal tubular function, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2 M), in healthy term neonates and babies with perinatal asphyxia.

METHODS

In a prospective case-control study using asphyxiated (n = 35) and normal control (n = 55) infants, urinary NAG and beta 2 M were assayed at 24-48 hours of life, 4-6 days, and 4-6 weeks.

RESULTS

NAG and beta 2 M were significantly increased at 24-48 hours and 4-6 days in the asphyxiated infants compared with the controls. Increased NAG values reflect the degree of perinatal asphyxia more than do beta 2 M. Gentamicin also increased NAG excretion, but to a lesser extent than did perinatal asphyxia.

CONCLUSIONS

NAG (+/- beta 2 M) may be a useful marker of perinatal asphyxia. Urinary NAG concentrations correlate with the severity of perinatal asphyxia.

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