ASSESSING SERUM NEUTROPHIL GELATINASE-ASSOCIATED LIPOCALIN (NGAL) LEVELS AS AN INDICATIVE BIOMARKER FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PAEDIATRIC CASES OF SEVERE MALARIA

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major global health problem, occurring in >13 million people and responsible for >2.3 million deaths every year, 85% of which are in developing countries. The prevalence of AKI continues to increase globally, affecting millions of people. The study is aimed at assessing serum neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) level as biomarkers of acute kidney injury in paediatrics with severe malaria. Seventy (70) children with severe malaria and forty (40) age and sex matched controls were recruited into this case- control study. Venous blood was collected from each subject and dispensed into appropriate bottles. The creatinine and urea levels were measured by spectrophotometric method, the electrolyte levels was measured by ion-selective electrode technique and serum NGAL was determined using standard Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Statistical analysis of data was done appropriately and p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The results were discussed, conclusion was drawn and recommendations were based on the findings from the study.