Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a prognostic biomarker of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is produced in the bronchial and alveolar cells of inflamed lungs and is regarded as a potential prognostic biomarker in various respiratory diseases. However, there are no studies on patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). NGAL levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were measured at baseline and on day 7 in 110 patients with ARDS. Baseline NGAL levels were significantly higher in ARDS patients than in healthy controls (serum 25 [14.5–41] vs. 214 [114.5–250.3] ng/mL; BAL 90 [65–115] vs. 211 [124–244] ng/mL). In ARDS, baseline NGAL levels in serum and BAL were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p