Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025

The Importance of Correct Protein Concentration for Kinetics and Affinity Determination in Structure-function Analysis
Published on: March 17, 2010
Gestational and Age-Specific Cystatin C Reference Intervals for Newborns.
Chao Tong1, Yalan Liu1, Yanqiu Wu2
1Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Establishing reference ranges for Cystatin C (CysC) in newborns is crucial for monitoring kidney function. This study determined CysC reference intervals based on postnatal and gestational age, offering a reliable tool for neonatologists.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine
- Clinical chemistry
- Pediatric nephrology
Background:
- Cystatin C (CysC) is a valuable marker for assessing renal function in neonates.
- Standard CysC reference ranges for newborns are not well-established.
- Accurate reference ranges are needed for reliable neonatal kidney function monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a useful reference range for serum Cystatin C (CysC) in newborns.
- To determine CysC reference intervals based on postnatal age (PA) and gestational age (GA).
- To evaluate CysC as a reliable index for neonatal renal function.
Main Methods:
- Serum CysC levels were measured in 1,044 newborns within the first 28 days of life.
- Analysis included 1,919 blood samples, with CysC levels stratified by PA and GA.
- Associations between CysC, creatinine, and other biochemical/perinatal factors were examined.
Main Results:
- Serum CysC reference intervals were determined and varied significantly by PA and GA (p < 0.001).
- A decreasing trend in CysC levels was observed with increasing GA.
- Serum CysC correlated positively with creatinine (p < 0.001) but was influenced by fewer factors than creatinine.
Conclusions:
- Serum CysC reference levels should be established according to PA and GA for neonates.
- Cystatin C is a more reliable index of neonatal renal function compared to creatinine due to fewer influencing factors.
- These established CysC reference levels will enable accurate renal function assessment in newborns.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

