Vantaggi rispetto alla creatinina: La cistatina C è un marcatore migliore della creatinina per la valutazione della funzionalità renale perché non è influenzata da fattori come la massa muscolare, la dieta o l’età. È utile per valutare la funzionalità renale in persone anziane, diabetici, obesi o con ridotta massa muscolare. Valutazione precoce: Può rilevare una disfunzione renale in fase precoce, anche prima che sia evidente con altri test. Monitoraggio: Viene prescritta regolarmente per monitorare la progressione di patologie renali croniche (CKD). Monitoraggio pazienti a rischio: È indicata per monitorare la salute renale in pazienti con fattori di rischio per malattie renali o che assumono farmaci potenzialmente nefrotossici. Valutazione del rischio cardiovascolare: I suoi livelli sono anche predittivi di eventi cardiovascolari.
Cystatin C is a protein produced by all nucleated cells, present in the blood and used as an indicator of kidney function. Because the kidneys filter this protein, its increase in blood may indicate reduced kidney filtration capacity, making it a more sensitive and earlier marker than creatinine in some situations, as it is not affected by muscle mass, diet, or age. The test measures the concentration of this protein in the blood to assess how well the kidneys are filtering the blood, and is then used to diagnose, monitor and predict the risk of kidney dysfunction. Production and filtration: Cystatin C is constantly produced by all nucleated cells in the body and is filtered by the kidneys through the glomeruli. Normal kidney function: When the kidneys are functioning properly, the concentration of cystatin C in the blood is stable because it is filtered and eliminated. Reduced kidney function: If kidney function decreases, the kidneys filter less cystatin C, increasing its concentration in the blood. Advantages over creatinine: Cystatin C is a better marker than creatinine for assessing kidney function because it is not affected by factors such as muscle mass, diet, or age. It is useful for evaluating kidney function in elderly, diabetic, obese or people with reduced muscle mass. Early assessment: May detect renal dysfunction early, even before it is evident with other tests. Monitoring: It is prescribed regularly to monitor the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Monitoring patients at risk: It is indicated for monitoring renal health in patients with risk factors for kidney disease or who are taking potentially nephrotoxic drugs. Cardiovascular risk assessment: Its levels are also predictive of cardiovascular events.