PRIMARY STUDY

Biomarkers for early detection of sickle nephropathy

Key Findings:  This study aims to identify alternative biomarkers to detect early signs of kidney dysfunction in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) had a strong association with albuminuri. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β) levels did not show any relationship with albuminuria in patients with SCA. L-FABP seemed to show a negative correlation between age and albuminuria.