Serum cystatin C as an endogenous marker of kidney function in elderly with chronic kidney failure
Concentration of serum cystatine C primarly dependes on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and cystatin C concentration in serum can be used as an endogenous marker of kidney function. Use of cystatin C in the assesment of GFR in elderely, childern and pre dialysis patients could be usful. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of cystatin C as a renal marker of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with various degrees of kidney failure. The study icluded the total of 104 patients (various etiology of kidney disease) with different degrees of kidney failure. All of them were on conservative tretmant and 10 healtly patients will comprised the control group. Mean values of cystatin C and creatinine in serum hes been measured and compared to endogeneus cretainine clearense. There were 104 patients testid in total with various etiology of kidney disease. Mean age of patients receiving conservative treatment was 68, 4 ± 5, 06 years and controls 69 ± 3, 66 years. Significant correlation have established between creatinine clearence and creatinine r = 0, 663 p < 0, 001, and between creatinine clearence and cystatin C r = 0, 765, p < 0, 001 in patients will different degrees of chronic kidney failure (CKF). Correlation between creatinine clearence and cystatin C was significantly better than between serum creatinine p < 0, 05. According to results from our study the level of cystatin C in serum is better marker of kidney function than the level of creatinine in serum. Hering in mind that this is faster and cheaper method it could find wider application in every day clinical practtise, especially in elderly where is often impossible to accurately collect 24 hour urine (inconontinence)