Kidney injury molecule-1: A urinary biomarker for contrast-induced acute kidney injury

Background: Urinary kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) is an early biomarker for renal damage. A few studies have been published analyzing the potential use of urinary KIM-1 as a biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, no study has been done related to AKI associated with contrast administration. Aim: To search for new markers to identify AKI associated with contrast administration earlier than serum creatinine. Materials and Methods: We studied 100 consecutive patients with normal serum creatinine undergoing angiographic procedure. We assessed urine KIM-1, at 4, 8, and 24 hours after the angiographic procedure. Serum creatinine was measured at basal, 24, and 48 hours after the procedure. Results: There was a significant rise in urinary KIM-1 levels at 24 hours after the angiographic procedure. The presence of contrast induced nephropathy associated with AKI was 12%. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the importance of urinary KIM-1 in detecting AKI associated with contrast administration earlier than Serum creatinine.