Publication Details
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate urinary NGAL protein levels in thalassemia patients with and without urinary tract infections, and to investigate its relationship to age, sex, and medical condition. The study included 100 participants divided into three groups: thalassemia patients without urinary tract infections (25), thalassemia patients with urinary tract infections (18), and a control group (57). The results showed a significant increase in NGAL levels in thalassemia patients compared to the control group, with the highest values observed in patients with urinary tract infections (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis also revealed significant differences between all groups. A strong positive correlation was found between age and NGAL levels in thalassemia patients, while this correlation was not observed in the control group. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age and disease status were independent factors influencing NGAL levels, while sex had no significant effect. In conclusion: NGAL is an important biomarker that is markedly elevated in thalassemia patients, especially in the presence of urinary tract infections, and may be useful in the early detection of kidney complications and infections.