Cystatin C, Vitamin D and Thyroid Function Test Profile in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is concomitant with complications, including thyroid dysfunction, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to determine serum cystatin C levels, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and thyroid dysfunction in CKD patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 140 CKD patients (stages 1-5) that were referred to a renal clinic. Demographic data was collected and thyroid function tests, serum 25-OH-vitamin D, cystatin C levels, and routine biochemistry tests were determined using cobas 6000 analyzer.

129 (92.1%) of CKD patients had elevated serum cystatin C levels and there was a stepwise increase from stage 1-5. Overt hypothyroidism was present in one patient and nine had subclinical hypothyroidism. There was a stepwise reduction in serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels from stage 2-5, 31 (22.1%) had vitamin D insufficiency and 31 (22.1%) presented with deficiency.

25-OH-vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disorders are exhibited in chronic kidney disease patients and the severity of the former rises with disease progression, as indicated by elevated cystatin C levels. Routine screening and timely intervention is recommended so as to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.