Proenkephalin for the early detection of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease

Background The early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an unmet clinical need. Proenkephalin (PENK) might improve the early detection of AKI. Methods One hundred and eleven hospitalized CKD patients undergoing radiographic contrast procedures were enrolled. PENK was measured in a blinded fashion at baseline (before contrast media administration) and on day 1 (after contrast media administration). The potential of PENK levels to predict contrast‐induced AKI was the primary endpoint. Results Baseline creatinine and baseline PENK were similar in AKI and no‐AKI patients. In AKI patients, day 1 PENK (198 pmol/L vs 121 pmol/L, P