The value of procalcitonin and urinary NGAL in the prediction of acute pyelonephritis and kidney scarring in pediatric patients with a history of febrile urinary tract infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children with febrile urinary tract infections (fUTI), especially those with acute pyelonephritis (APN) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), may face several complications, especially kidney scarring. Different biomarkers, such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and procalcitonin (PCT), have been studied for predicting kidney scarring without the need for a DMSA scan.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the role of biomarkers in pediatric patients with a history of fUTI and their prognostic value in the diagnosis of APN and prediction of kidney scarring.

Data sources

A search through major databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus) was conducted from inception until January 2, 2025. The mean difference (95% CI) was

SUBMITTER: Gkiourtzis N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727856 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature