Correlation between Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin and Endoscopic, Histopathologic and Clinical Activities of Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Detection of activity of ulcerative colitis (UC) is vital for predicting treatment outcome. The assessment depends on clinical, serologic, and endoscopic findings. One of the noninvasive biomarkers for disease activity detection is serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL).

Aim: To assess the relationship between NGAL and endoscopic, histopathologic and clinical activity of UC.

Methods: This study was conducted on 50 cases with definitive diagnosis of UC and 15 cases with normal colonoscopy examination as controls. UC cases were considered active if Geobes score was ≥3.1. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver and kidney function tests were done. Serum NGAL was estimated using ELISA technique.

Results: UC cases were classified into active group (n = 36) and inactive group (n = 14). In active UC cases, median value (IQR) of serum NGAL was significantly increased (101.15 (67.53 – 156.40) ng/mL) compared to inactive cases (63.35 (60.98–65.20) ng/mL) and control group (24.80 (15.50 – 31.50) ng/mL). Serum NGAL was well correlated with Geobes score, Mayo score, CRP and ESR. Serum NGAL at cut-off ≥ 63 can predict activity with sensitivity 88.89%, specificity 85.71%, PPV 94.12% and NPV 75%.

Conclusion: Serum NGAL is valuable noninvasive marker for assessment of UC disease activity.