Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a diagnostic tool in pediatric acute appendicitis: a prospective validation study

Prospective study of 215 pediatric patients validates serum NGAL as a biomarker for acute appendicitis, finding only moderate diagnostic yield (AUC 0.642, 89% sensitivity, 34.6% specificity at optimal cutoff). NGAL shows limited clinical utility as a standalone diagnostic tool and cannot reliably distinguish complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis.