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Reference values of serum cystatin C in very low-birthweight premature infants

Gamze Demirel1, Istemi H Celik, Fuat E Canpolat

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Samsun Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Samsun, Turkey. kgamze@hotmail.com

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Reference ranges for cystatin C (CysC) and creatinine (Cr) were established in very low-birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants. CysC levels decreased significantly by day 3 and were independent of birth factors.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Accurate assessment of renal function in preterm infants is crucial.
  • Creatinine (Cr) is commonly used but has limitations in this population.
  • Cystatin C (CysC) is a potential alternative biomarker for renal function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish reference values for CysC and Cr in very low-birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants.
  • To investigate the correlation of CysC and Cr with gestational age, birthweight, and maternal Cr status.
  • To determine changes in CysC and Cr levels within the first few days of life.

Main Methods:

  • Serum CysC and Cr levels were analyzed in 113 VLBW infants (gestational age ≤ 32 weeks).
  • Maternal serum Cr was also measured.
  • Infant CysC and Cr were assessed on day 1 and day 3 post-birth.

Main Results:

  • Mean CysC levels decreased significantly from day 1 (1.77 ± 0.38 mg/L) to day 3 (1.61 ± 0.37 mg/L).
  • Infant Cr showed correlations with maternal Cr on day 1, and negative correlations with gestational age and birthweight on day 3.
  • No significant correlation was found between infant Cr and CysC on either day 1 or day 3.

Conclusions:

  • Reference ranges for CysC and Cr in VLBW infants were determined for day 1 and day 3.
  • CysC concentrations decrease significantly by day 3.
  • CysC levels in VLBW preterm infants are independent of gestational age, birthweight, and maternal renal function.
Abstract

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