Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Level Can Predict Early Organ Damage in Primary Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Early detection and treatment of complicated arterial hypertension will prevent its effect on the target organs. In line with this purpose, we aimed to reveal the prediction capability of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin to complicated hypertension.

Methods: In total, 46 patients with hypertension and 21 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Left ventricle morphology and geometry, as systolic and diastolic functions, were analyzed. Global longitudinal strain was measured from recorded apical 3-chamber views. An ophthalmic examination was performed to investigate the presence of retinopathy in individuals with hypertension. In addition, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values were evaluated via the method of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Both neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels and global longitudinal strain percentages were statistically significant between the groups with diastolic dysfunction and the groups without diastolic dysfunction. Complicated hypertension was detected in 42 patients. Here, it was found that the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level of 144.3 ng/mL predicted complicated hypertension with 0.872 sensitivity and 0.65 specificity values.

Conclusion: Analyzing neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in patients with hypertension in routine practice can easily and practically detect complicated hypertension patients earlier.