Tantawy et al evaluated serum cystatin C as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction. The authors are from Ain Shams University in Cairo.
Patient selection: sickle cell disease
Predictors for an elevated serum cystatin C:
(1) elevated high-sensitivity CRP
(2) elevated urinary albumin-creatinine ratio
(3) not being treated with hydroxyurea
Patients with an elevated serum cystatin C had:
(1) more frequent sickling crises
(2) increased atherosclerosis with increased carotid intima-media thickness
(3) decreased renal function (nephropathy)
(4) lower left ventricular ejection fraction
Serum Cystatin C
Pathology
>= 580 ng/mL
nephropathy
>= 615 ng/mL
heart disease
A rise in serum cystatin C and urine albumin may help to identify renal impairment prior to a rise in serum creatinine.
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