An Emerging Marker of Glomerular Filtration Rate: Cystatin C

Abstract

Cystatin C is a low molecular weight-protein which has been proposed as a marker of renal function that could replace creatinine. Its concentration is mainly determined by glomerular filtration and is particularly of interest in clinical settings where the relationship between creatinine production and muscle mass impairs the clinical performance of creatinine. Since the last decade, numerous studies have evaluated its potential use in measuring renal function in various populations and other potential developments in clinical settings have been proposed. More recently, research on the standardization has progressed, resulting in the synthesis of an international standard. This review summarizes current knowledge about the physiology of cystatin C and about its use as a renal marker, either alone or in equations developed to estimate the glomerular filtration rate.

Keywords: Cystatin C, glomerular filtration rate, physiology

Cite as