Indices of renal tubular function in perinatal asphyxia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare two urinary indices of renal tubular function, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2 M), in healthy term neonates and babies with perinatal asphyxia.


METHODS
In a prospective case-control study using asphyxiated (n = 35) and normal control (n = 55) infants, urinary NAG and beta 2 M were assayed at 24-48 hours of life, 4-6 days, and 4-6 weeks.


RESULTS
NAG and beta 2 M were significantly increased at 24-48 hours and 4-6 days in the asphyxiated infants compared with the controls. Increased NAG values reflect the degree of perinatal asphyxia more than do beta 2 M. Gentamicin also increased NAG excretion, but to a lesser extent than did perinatal asphyxia.


CONCLUSIONS
NAG (+/- beta 2 M) may be a useful marker of perinatal asphyxia. Urinary NAG concentrations correlate with the severity of perinatal asphyxia.
Willis
F
F
Department of Biochemistry, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia.
Summers
J
J
Minutillo
C
C
Hewitt
I
I
D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000652:urine*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D005839:Gentamicins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D000118:Acetylglucosaminidase