Determination of the severity of ureteropelvic junction obstruction using urinary epidermal growth factor and kidney injury molecule 1 levels

Aim: This study aimed to assess the urinary concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) in patients with hydronephrosis. Methods: Neonates with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis were enrolled in three groups. Group 1 included neonates with severe obstruction; group 2 included neonates with milder obstruction; and group 3 included neonates with normal findings on postnatal ultrasonography. Results: 59 neonates were enrolled. The EGF: Cr and KIM-1: Cr ratios were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.016 and 0.015, respectively). The cut-off values were measured as 16.855 (sensitivity 71%, specificity 77%) and 0.4765 (sensitivity 81%, specificity 71%) for EGF:Cr and KIM-1:Cr ratios, respectively. The values were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusions: Evaluation of the urinary KIM-1:Cr ratio may help identify neonates with severe obstructive hydronephrosis.