The Effect of Methylprednisolone on Plasma Concentrations of Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin in Pediatric Heart Surgery*

Abstract

Preoperatively administered methylprednisolone profoundly decreases plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin seems to originate to a significant extent from activated neutrophils. Preoperative methylprednisolone is a confounding factor when interpreting plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels as a kidney injury marker in pediatric heart surgery.