Korean J Nephrol.  2001 Jan;20(1):75-79.

Reference Values for Cystatin C Serum Concentrations in Children

• Hahn H
• Park KM
• Ha IS
• Cheong HI
• Choi Y
• Song JH

Abstract

Cystatin C is a non-glycated 13-kilodalton basic protein produced by all nucleated cells. It has received considerable attention over the last few years as a potential replacement for creatinine as a biochemical marker for glomerular filtration rate(GFR). Recently published studies have shown that cystatin C correlates more strongly than creatinine with GFR. The aim of this study was to define a reference interval for cystatin C concentrations in children. Cystatin C was measured by an immunonephelometric assay in sera obtained from 102 children(47 boys, 55 girls, range from 1 year to 15 years) without evidence of kidney disease. The reference interval was calculated non-parametrically using the 2.5 th and 97.5th percentiles. Cystatin C concentration was constant regardless of age and sex, with a reference interval of 0.512-1.104mg/L. In contrast, serum creatinine concentration increased steadily with age until adulthood. Cystatin C offers easier recognition of renal function in childhood because its reference value is constant through all ages beyond 1 year.

Keyword

Glomerular filtration rate; Creatinine; Cystatin C; Reference interval

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Child*
Creatinine
Cystatin C*
Female
Filtration
Glomerular Filtration Rate
Humans
Kidney Diseases
Reference Values*
Creatinine
Cystatin C