Utility of cystatin C-based equations in patients undergoing dialysis

Serum cystatin C (CysC) measurement is regarded as a simple and practical alternative to measure residual renal function for dialysis patients. Recent studies have shown that CysC has better diagnostic accuracy or at least equivalence to creatinine in predicting the early stages of renal damage, and is closely related to clinical outcomes of dialysis patients. Thus, the applicability of CysC-derived equations in patients undergoing dialysis should be paid attention. Here, we review the role of CysC in diagnosis, renal function evaluation, and prognosis outcomes for dialysis patients, so as to provide them with useful suggestions on evaluating renal function and predicting adverse outcomes in clinical practice.