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[Retinol-binding protein urinary levels in a pediatric population: evolution according to age]
M H Vaisbich1, S K Nishida, M S Silva
1Escola Paulista de Medicina - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
Summary
Urinary retinol binding-protein (RBPu) can serve as a reliable early marker for pediatric kidney tubular dysfunction. This study establishes reference intervals for RBPu in children, showing it decreases to adult levels by one month of age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Neonatal kidneys are vulnerable to injury, impacting tubular function.
- Early detection of tubular dysfunction is crucial in pediatrics.
- Urinary retinol binding-protein (RBPu) is a potential marker for tubular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference intervals for RBPu in childhood.
- To investigate age-related differences in RBPu levels.
- To validate RBPu as a marker for pediatric proximal tubular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Studied healthy children (1 month to 8 years) and newborns (term and preterm).
- Collected urine samples for RBPu and creatinine measurement.
- Analyzed RBPu levels using logarithmic data transformation.
Main Results:
- RBPu levels in children do not follow a normal distribution.
- Established a reference interval for children >1 month: 3-269 µg/L (mean 27 µg/L).
- Newborn RBPu excretion varied but decreased to adult levels by 1 month.
Conclusions:
- RBPu is a viable, non-invasive marker for proximal tubular dysfunction in children.
- Reference intervals allow for RBPu's use in monitoring tubular injury.
- Kidney's reabsorptive capacity for RBPu matures by the first month of life.