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Serum cystatin C levels in normal pregnancy
R Obrenovic1, D Petrovic, N Majkic-Singh
1Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
Clinical Nephrology
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Serum cystatin C levels significantly increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, suggesting it may not be a reliable marker for kidney function during gestation due to various physiological changes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Obstetrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Kidney function assessment during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
- Traditional markers like creatinine may be affected by physiological changes in pregnancy.
- Cystatin C is a potential alternative marker for glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum cystatin C, creatinine, and creatinine clearance levels across trimesters of uncomplicated pregnancy.
- To assess the reliability of cystatin C as a marker of kidney function in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 109 pregnant women was divided into three groups based on trimester (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
- Serum cystatin C was measured using the Particle-Enhanced Nephelometric Immunoassay (PENIA) method.
- Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in serum cystatin C was observed in the third trimester compared to the first and second trimesters.
- Specific values showed a rise from 0.69 ± 0.16 mg/l in the first trimester to 1.21 ± 0.30 mg/l in the third trimester.
Conclusions:
- Serum cystatin C levels increase significantly in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Cystatin C may not be a reliable marker for kidney function in pregnancy.
- Elevated cystatin C in pregnancy is likely influenced by endotheliasis, hormonal changes, and alterations in GFR.
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