Indices of renal tubular function in perinatal asphyxia
- aDepartment of Biochemistry, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, GPO Box D184 Perth 6001, Western Australia, bDepartment of Neonatology, cDepartment of Nephrology
- Dr FR Willis.
- Accepted 30 January 1997
Abstract
Aims—To determine and compare two urinary indices of renal tubular function,N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and β2-microglobulin (β2M), 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 β2M were assayed at 24–48 hours of life, 4–6 days, and 4–6 weeks.
RESULTS NAG and β2M 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 β2M. Gentamicin also increased NAG excretion, but to a lesser extent than did perinatal asphyxia.
CONCLUSIONS NAG (+/- β2M) may be a useful marker of perinatal asphyxia. Urinary NAG concentrations correlate with the severity of perinatal asphyxia.
