Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and Endothelin-1 as markers for the onset and severity of preeclampsia

Background: The onset of preeclampsia (PE) may be early (EOPE), or late (LOPE). Preeclampsia may also be characterized by severe features (PS) or without severe features (PNS). This study aimed to predict the onset and severity of PE using biomarkers including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Method: This was a case-control study from January to June 2020. The study involved 270 pregnant women (control=135, PE=135), aged between 18-37 years. The cases and controls were matched by maternal and gestational age at sampling. Serum samples were assayed for sNGAL and ET-1 using the ELISA technique. Results: Serum NGAL and ET-1 were significantly increased in PE and also increased in PE characterized by severe features (P<0.010). Both sNGAL and ET-1 positively correlated with blood pressure in PE (P<0.050). In predicting PE, the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of sNGAL were 0.76, 46.2% and 97.8% while that of ET-1 were 0.82, 66.8%, and 92.5% respectively. Also, ET-1 could differentiate PS from PNS with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 82.1%. Conclusion: Serum ET-1 is better than sNGAL in the prediction of PE. We recommend screening pregnant women using ET-1 for the early detection and management of PE.