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Increased serum cystatin C is associated with increased mortality in elderly men
A Larsson1, J Helmersson, L-O Hansson
1Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. anders.larsson@akademiska.se
Summary
Plasma cystatin C levels predict mortality risk in elderly men. Higher cystatin C indicates increased risk, suggesting its utility in assessing mortality in older populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Renal dysfunction, indicated by serum creatinine, is linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Plasma cystatin C is recognized as a more accurate marker than plasma creatinine for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between plasma cystatin C levels and all-cause mortality in elderly men.
- To determine if cystatin C can serve as a prognostic marker for mortality in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Serum cystatin C was measured using nephelometry in 792 men aged 77 years.
- Mortality data were collected over a 1-4 year follow-up period.
- Statistical analysis correlated cystatin C levels with mortality outcomes.
Main Results:
- Plasma cystatin C levels showed a significant correlation with overall mortality (p=0.013).
- Men in the highest cystatin C quintile had a threefold higher mortality rate compared to those in the lowest quintile.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma cystatin C is a significant predictor of mortality in elderly men.
- Cystatin C may be a valuable tool for risk stratification of mortality in older male populations.
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