The application values of urine NGAL and MEDS scores in the prognosis evaluation of patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level and mortality in emergency department sepsis (MEDS) score in the prognosis evaluation of patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury. Methods: Sixty-five patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury admitted to our hospital were included, retrospectively analyzed, tested for urinary NGAL, and scored for MEDS. Results: (1) NGAL, MEDS, and mortality were elevated, and the average survival was shortened as acute kidney injury progressed from stage 1 to 2, and then to stage 3 (P<0.05); (2) A linear positive association was observed between the urine NGAL levels and the MEDS scores (r=0.751, P<0.05); (3) While the predicted sensitivity/specificity based on the urinary NGAL level was slightly higher/lower than the predicted sensitivity/specificity from the MEDS score, the combination of the two achieved a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity than when they were applied separately (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combined urinary NGAL levels and MEDS scores have a good application value in the prognosis evaluation and predication values in the mortality of patients with sepsis and acute kidney injury.