Value of serum cystatin C in estimating renal function in children with non-renal solid organ transplantation

Manjula Gowrishankar1, Christina VanderPluym, Cheri Robert

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Pediatric Transplantation
|November 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Accurate kidney function monitoring is crucial for children post-transplant. The CKiD and Filler formulas effectively estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), aiding in early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Transplant Medicine
  • Renal Function Assessment

Background:

  • Long-term survival in children with non-renal solid organ transplants is improving.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a significant complication impacting outcomes.
  • Precise and frequent renal function monitoring is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas against measured GFR (mGFR) in pediatric transplant recipients.
  • To compare the performance of Filler, mSchwartz, and CKiD formulas in assessing renal function.
  • To determine the most reliable method for monitoring CKD progression in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 59 children post-non-renal solid organ transplant.
  • Measured GFR (NM-GFR) served as the gold standard for comparison.
  • eGFR was calculated using three formulas: Filler (serum cystatin C), mSchwartz (serum creatinine), and CKiD (cystatin C, creatinine, urea, height).
  • Accuracy (P30), bias, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • All tested formulas (Filler, mSchwartz, CKiD) showed significant differences from mGFR and overestimated GFR.
  • CKiD demonstrated the highest accuracy (P30 = 79.7%) and lowest bias (6.9 mL/min/1.73 m²).
  • Filler (P30 = 67.7%, bias = 19.9) and mSchwartz (P30 = 57.6%, bias = 26.8) showed lower accuracy and higher bias.
  • CKiD achieved 91.1% accuracy for GFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m², outperforming others.
  • All formulas exhibited high sensitivity but low specificity at a cutoff of 90 mL/min/1.73 m².

Conclusions:

  • The CKiD formula, followed by the Filler formula, provides adequate accuracy for close and frequent renal function monitoring in pediatric transplant patients.
  • These eGFR estimations are valuable tools for managing CKD in this vulnerable population.
  • Accurate GFR assessment is critical for timely interventions to prevent or slow CKD progression.

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