Abstract
Background: Cystatin C is more sensitive than creatinine in the assessment of renal function. However, repeated measurements of cystatin C are limited by the national health insurance in Japan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of preoperative single measurement of cystatin C to predict the postoperative renal impairment in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Fifty-five patients who underwent CABG were enrolled in this study. Of these, 25 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were divided into two groups: group A (cystatin C ≤0.9 mg/l: 16 cases) and group B(cystatin C >0.9: 9 cases). Postoperative creatinine and eGFR were compared between these two groups. Results: Postoperative maximum creatinine within one month was significantly higher and postoperative minimum eGFR was significantly lower in group B than in group A, respectively. Conclusions: Even when preoperative eGFR is preserved, a high level of cystatin C suggests the need for careful attention for postoperative renal impairment in CABG patient.
