Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin serum evaluation through normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was evaluated prospectively through normal pregnancy and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia syndrome. Sixty women enrolled in the study were evaluated for serum NGAL levels at 9-11 weeks gestation, at 24-26 weeks gestation and at delivery. Thirty women were affected by preeclampsia and 30 women with uncomplicated pregnancies formed the control group. NGAL serum concentrations in the preeclampsia group were higher compared to the control group, with significant differences in each trimester. In the first trimester, the median values were: 29.9 ng/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 24.1-50.1] versus 13.6 ng/mL (IQR 9.1-19.9; p < 0.001); in the second trimester: 59.6 ng/mL (IQR 25.3-82.6) versus 16.3 ng/mL (IQR 11.3-23.3; p < 0.001); and in the third trimester: 57.2 ng/mL (IQR 18.7-70.9) versus 15.8 ng/mL (IQR 9.1-22.5; p < 0.001). NGAL serum values were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and with proteinuria.