[Serum cystatin C: a practical alternative for renal function evaluation?]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Clinical Chemistry

Context:

• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the primary indicator of kidney function in both healthy and diseased states.
• Accurate GFR measurement remains challenging in clinical practice.
• Early detection of renal lesions is vital as GFR decline often precedes overt chronic kidney disease symptoms.

Purpose:

• To evaluate cystatin C as an alternative marker for renal function assessment.
• To discuss the advantages and limitations of cystatin C compared to serum creatinine.
• To clarify the appropriate clinical indications for cystatin C use.

Summary:

• Serum cystatin C is emerging as a potential biomarker for renal function, offering an alternative to serum creatinine.
• While cystatin C has shown promise, its widespread clinical utility is hindered by a lack of comprehensive testing across various diseases and established usage guidelines.
• Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, despite known limitations, remain accessible and cost-effective routine markers for evaluating kidney function.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for further research to establish the clinical validity and optimal application of cystatin C in diverse patient populations.
• Emphasizes the continued importance of serum creatinine as a foundational tool for routine renal function assessment.
• Aims to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate biomarkers for accurate kidney function evaluation and early disease detection.