Chinnaswamy Palaniswamy 1 , Seemadevi Patel
BACKGROUND Kidney function is accurately assessed by Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). GFR is estimated with various biomarkers like inulin, creatinine and Cystatin C. Inulin is not synthesised in the human body. Creatinine is a variable parameter. But, Cystatin C is removed completely from the blood stream by glomerular filtration. Hence, Cystatin C level in the blood can be used to estimate GFR. MATERIALS AND METHODS One study group of 50 patients with renal failure and another control group of 50 normal persons were selected for Cystatin C estimation. Cystatin C was measured in a random sample of serum of both control group and study group by using Quantitative Cystatin C immunoturbidimetric assay. Mean values of Cystatin C were statistically analysed by using “t” test. GFR from Cystatin C value was measured by using a prediction equation. RESULTS Cystatin C levels in blood were significantly increased in patients of renal failure. GFR was estimated by Cystatin C levels. The elevated Cystatin C level was correlated with estimated GFR. CONCLUSION Cystatin C level in patients of kidneys dysfunction was statistically elevated. Similarly, the GFR estimated using serum Cystatin C was also statistically elevated. Hence, Cystatin C was a good biological marker to assess kidneys dysfunction.
