The role of serum angiopoietin-2 as a biomarker in sepsis induced acute kidney injury

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of sepsis in ICU patients. The overall incidence of AKI in ICU patients ranges from 20 to 50% with lower incidence seen in elective surgical patients and higher incidence in sepsis patients. AKI represents a significant risk factor for mortality and can be associated with mortality greater than 50%. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of angiopoietin-2 as a biomarker in sepsis induced AKI. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 60 participants (20 patients with septic AKI, 20 patients with sepsis only without AKI and 20 healthy volunteers as the control group). Serum angiopoietin-2 levels were assessed by the ELISA technique. Clinical, biochemical, and therapeutic data were collected. Results High levels of serum angiopoietin-2 were detected in patients with septic AKI. These levels were significantly higher in relation to septic patients with no AKI and the control group. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum angiopoietin-2 level in the septic AKI group and serum creatinine, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and there was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum angiopoietin-2 level in the septic AKI group and the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion Serum angiopoietin-2 levels were significantly positive in patients with septic AKI. Serum angiopoietin-2 may be used as a biomarker in sepsis induced AKI.