Serum intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), a marker of renal scarring in infants with vesico-ureteric reflux
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1Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Serum intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) levels are elevated in children with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). Higher ICAM-1 levels correlate with renal scarring in younger children, suggesting it may indicate tubular damage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) is a common condition in children that can lead to renal scarring.
- Identifying markers for renal damage in VUR is crucial for timely intervention.
- Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is involved in inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between serum ICAM-1 levels and renal scarring in children diagnosed with VUR.
- To assess if ICAM-1 can serve as a biomarker for kidney damage in pediatric VUR patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum ICAM-1 levels were measured using ELISA in 81 children with VUR and 24 healthy controls.
- Patients were stratified by age (< 2 years and > 2 years) and presence of renal scarring.
- Statistical analysis compared ICAM-1 levels between groups.
Main Results:
- Children with VUR exhibited significantly higher mean serum ICAM-1 levels (347 ng/mL) compared to controls (202 ng/mL).
- In children under 2 years, elevated ICAM-1 levels (408 ng/mL) were significantly associated with renal scarring.
- No significant difference in ICAM-1 levels was observed based on renal scarring in children over 2 years old.
Conclusions:
- Serum ICAM-1 levels are significantly elevated in children suffering from VUR.
- Elevated ICAM-1 may serve as a valuable indicator of tubular damage, particularly in younger children with VUR.
- Further research could explore ICAM-1's role in VUR pathogenesis and management.
Objective:
To determine if serum intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) levels correlate with renal scarring in children with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR).
Patients And Methods:
Serum ICAM-1 levels were measured in 81 children (29 boys and 52 girls, age range 2 months-13 years) with VUR using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with levels in a control group of 24 children (16 boys and eight girls, age range 2 days-13 years) with no urological abnormalities.
Results:
The mean serum ICAM-1 level in the control group was 202 +/- 79 ng/mL (mean +/- 1 SD) compared with 347 +/- 96 ng/mL in children with VUR (P < 0.001). Fifteen of 26 children under 2 years of age demonstrated renal scarring while 18 of 44 children older than 2 years exhibited renal scarring. The mean serum ICAM-1 level in patients who were < 2 years of age and had renal scarring was 408 +/- ng/mL, significantly higher than in those who had no renal scarring (296 +/- 68 ng/mL, P < 0.01). In contrast, there was no difference in serum ICAM-1 levels in patients > 2 years of age with or with no renal scarring (353 +/- 87 and 325 +/- 91 ng/mL, respectively).
Conclusion:
Serum ICAM-1 levels are significantly higher in children with VUR and may represent a valuable marker of tubular damage in younger children with VUR.