Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent & severe microvascular consequence of DM that is linked to higher rates of illness and death in individuals with diabetes. Currently, microalbuminuria remains the most reliable method for diagnosing the condition. But , there is an urgent need for new biomarkers to allow earlier diagnosis and management for better outcome.
Aim of study: to evaluate the significance of serum Midkine (MK) as a biomarker for early identification of DN in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) prior to the onset of microalbuminuria.
Subjects and Methods: This study comprised a sample size of 100 children, of which 50 had T1DM (25 microalbuminuric cases (group 1), 25 normoalbuminuric cases (group 2), & 50 healthy participants serving as the control group (group 3). In each of the three groups, a comprehensive medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory evaluation of hemoglobin A1c% (HbA1c%), lipid profile, urinary microalbuminuria (MA), & serum MK were conducted.
Results: Comparing the two diabetic groups to the control group, our research demonstrated a significant rise in serum MK. Moreover, serum MK concentrations were greater among those with microalbuminuria compared to those with normoalbuminuria. According to the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, microalbuminuria could be predicted with a sensitivity of 96 percent & specificity of 90 percent using an MK cutoff value of 260 pg/ml.
Conclusions: Serum MK is a practicable, novel, & beneficial indicator for assessing renal involvement in children with T1DM, particularly in normoalbuminuric children.