This study aimed to assess the role of serum midkine (MK) as a biomarker for early detection of diabetic nephropathy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) before microalbuminuria emerges.

Methods:

A total of 120 children with T1DM, comprising 60 microalbuminuric patients (Group 1), 60 normoalbuminuric patients (Group 2), and 60 healthy participants as a control group (Group 3) were included. Detailed medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemoglobin A1c percentage (HbA1c%), lipid profile, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), serum MK and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine were performed in all participants.

Results:

Both Group 1 and Group 2 had significantly higher serum MK compared to controls (p< 0.001). Additionally, significantly higher MK concentrations were present in Group …