After adjusting for confounding variables, the association between plasma NGAL and new-onset CKD as defined by eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 remained strong and robust (Table 2B, Model 4, HR per doubling 2.54 [1.69–3.80], p < 0.001), but again lost significance after additional adjustment for baseline eGFR (Model 5, 1.05 [0.69–1.59], p = 0.828). Here, LCN2 is linked to chronic kidney disease.