Elevated Urinary Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-7 Predict Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) predict severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical illness. Earlier but subtle elevation of either biomarker from nephrotoxicity may predict drug-induced AKI. Methods: A prospective study involving serial urine collection in patients treated with vancomycin, aminoglycosides, amphotericin, foscarnet, or calcineurin inhibitors was performed. Urinary TIMP2 and IGFBP7, both absolute levels and those normalized with urine creatinine, were examined in days leading to AKI onset by KDIGO criteria in cases or at final day of nephrotoxic therapy in non-AKI controls, who were matched for age, baseline kidney function, and nephrotoxic exposure. Results: Urinary biomarker analyses were performed in 21 AKI patients and 28 non-AKI matched-controls; both groups had comparable baseline kidney function and duration of nephrotoxic drug therapy. Significantly higher absolute, normalized, and composite levels of TIMP2 and IGFBP7 were observed in AKI cases versus controls as early as 2-3 days before AKI onset (all P<0.05); >70% of patients with corresponding levels above 75th percentile developed AKI. Normalized TIMP2 at 2-3 days pre-AKI predicted AKI with the highest average AUROC of 0.81, followed by that of composite [TIMP2]x[IGFBP7] (0.78) after cross-validation. [TIMP2]x[IGFBP7] >0.01 (ng/mL)²/1000 predicted AKI with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 60%. Conclusion: Elevated urinary TIMP2 or IGFBP7 predicts drug-induced AKI with a lead-time of 2-3 days; an opportune time for interventions to reduce nephrotoxicity.