# Evaluation of Urinary L-FABP as a Tubular Damage Marker in Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder—A Pilot Study

## TL;DR

This study explores urinary L-FABP as a possible marker for kidney tubular damage in children with neurogenic bladder.

## Contribution

The study investigates urinary L-FABP as a novel potential biomarker for tubular damage in pediatric neurogenic bladder patients.

## Key findings

- The uL-FABP/creatinine ratio was higher in the NB group but not statistically significant.
- NB children with proteinuria and VUR had the highest uL-FABP concentrations.
- uL-FABP may serve as a potential biomarker for tubular damage in NB patients.

## Abstract

The article aims to find potential biomarker for the detection of tubular damage in pediatric neurogenic bladder (NB) by investigating urinary levels of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uL-FABP). This prospective analysis was conducted on two groups: 42 children with NB and 18 healthy children. The uL-FABP concentrations were measured using ELISA methods. The medical charts of the children were examined to determine age, sex, anthropometric measurements, activity assessment using Hoffer’s scale, and renal function parameters. The results revealed that the uL-FABP/creatinine ratio was higher in the study group compared with the reference group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.52, p > 0.05). However, the uL-FABP/creatinine ratio exhibited a wider range in NB patients compared to the reference group. NB children with proteinuria and the history of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) tended to have the highest uL-FABP concentrations. In conclusion, uL-FABP may be considered a potential tubular damage biomarker in children with NB. Proteinuria and the history of VUR may be the factors influencing the uL-FABP.