NAG: potential cardiorenal biomarker indicates progression of chronic kidney disease in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients, contrary to KIM-1

Aim: NAG and KIM-1 as markers of tubular damage are suggested as potential biomarkers for the cardiorenal syndrome. Aim of the study was to assess the prognostic capability of NAG and KIM-1 regarding progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Materials & methods: We included 313 patients with an ICD and collected plasma and urine samples. Follow-up was performed after 51 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-55). Outcome of interest was continuous CKD progression defined as persistent decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate category accompanied by a >= 25% drop of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: Average four (IQR: 2-6) follow-up values of serum creatinine per patient were obtained. During followup 29 patients (9%) developed a continuous CKD progression. NAG was shown as independent predictor for continuous CKD progression (p = 0.01), opposite to KIM-1 (p = n.s.). Conclusion: NAG was shown as predictor for a progressive and real deterioration of kidney function in patients with ICD.