Urinary matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 biomarkers for predicting renal scar in children with urinary tract infection.

Objective: Urinary tract infection occurs in 1.8-6.6% of children under 6 years old.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) might be an independent marker for anticipating scar formation in children with acute pyelonephritis.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most serious common bacterial infections among young children. It may affect kidneys that classified as acute pyelonephritis (APN) and may lead to renal parenchymal involvement and scarring with high prevalence rate (15%-60%) among children. This study aimed to assess the urinary concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients with APN to diagnose those with potency to scar formation.