Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide an introduction to evaluating the effectiveness of cystatin C (Cys-C) which is a new marker of renal function.
Patients and methods: The study population consisted of forty-three children including 21 males and 22 females ranging from 1 to 19 years of age. We evaluated their Cys-C, creatinine clearance (CCr), and serum creatinine (S-Cr) at the same time.
Results: Both the relationship of Cys-C to CCr and S-Cr showed strong correlation among all patients. But among children whose Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was < 70 ml/min, the correlation of Cys-C to CCr was significantly greater than the correlation with S-Cr. Although S-Cr blood concentrations increase with aging, Cys-C blood concentrations are almost stable regardless of age. The Cystatin C-based formula is more accurate at detecting mild renal failure than the CCr and Schwartz formulae.
Conclusion: Cys-C is more effective and accurate for evaluating renal function than the existing markers of renal function.
