Role of Serum Cystatin C as a Diagnostic Tool for Renal Function in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Assessment of cystatin C levels could be valuable in the early detection of renal dysfunction because they increase faster than the creatinine levels as the GFR decreases. The aim of this work was to evaluate serum cystatin C as a diagnostic tool for renal dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 60 patients from the Tropical Medicine Department of Tanta University Hospitals and 10 people served as healthy control volunteers. Serum cystatin C was measured in the three groups. Results: A significant difference was observed among the three groups as cystatin C was higher in patients with HRS compared to the cirrhotic group and healthy controls. Conclusion: Serum cystatin C is a good predictor for hepatorenal syndrome with a good correlation with serum creatinine, blood urea, GFR, and creatinine clearance.