Comparison of Creatinine-Based, Cystatin C-Based, and Combined Kidney Function Estimates for Vancomycin Clearance...

The combined creatinine (SCr)- and cystatin C (CysC)-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides a more accurate assessment of kidney function. Given that precise estimation of kidney function is important for optimal vancomycin dosing, few studies have evaluated whether a combined estimate better predicts vancomycin clearance and improves clinical outcomes.

In this retrospective study, 4 kidney function estimation methods, Cockcroft-Gault (CG), SCr-based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), CysC-based CKD-EPI, and the combined SCr and CysC CKD-EPI equations, were assessed in 66 adult inpatients to determine which method most accurately predicts vancomycin clearance (CL vanco).

Although the CG- and SCr-based CKD-EPI estimates were comparable, substantial differences were observed among the methods. The combined SCr and CysC estimate showed the highest correlation [ρ = 0.854; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-0.91], the most linear relationship (R2 = 0.75), the best precision (root mean square error = 0.92 L/h; 95% CI: 0.76-1.05), and the least bias (mean predicted error = 0.16 L/h; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.38), indicating the best overall performance among the 4 methods.

These results suggest that combined SCr and CysC estimates may be associated with more accurate and precise vancomycin dosing than the other methods. This finding implies that other medications cleared by the kidneys, especially those with narrow therapeutic windows, may be appropriately administered using the combined estimate. Further studies are required to determine whether these findings lead to improved clinical outcomes.