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Preliminary reference intervals for cystatin C and beta-trace protein in preterm and term neonates
Erika Bariciak1, Abeer Yasin2, JoAnn Harrold1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L1.
Objective:
To determine the reference intervals for serum cystatin C (CysC) and beta-trace protein (BTP) as markers of renal function in preterm and term neonates.
Design And Methods:
Blood samples of 128 neonates (34% female) admitted to the NICU were analyzed to determine the levels of serum creatinine (enzymatically), CysC and BTP (nephelometric, Siemens Health Care).
Results:
The reference intervals, categorized by age, were reported for the 128 neonates. Median (lower/upper limit) BTP were 1.85 (0.57/3.16) and 1.27 (0.51/2.07) mg/L on days 1 and 3. In keeping with maturation of renal function after birth, CysC and BTP fell from days one to day three after birth, whereas creatinine did not.
Conclusion:
Our data provides reference intervals for the levels of creatinine, CysC, and BTP in neonates on days 1 and 3 after birth and demonstrates that CysC and BTP reflect neonatal renal function, whereas creatinine reflects maternal renal function.
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