Cystatin C GFR Calculator:
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The Cystatin C GFR calculator estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using serum cystatin C levels, age, and gender. Cystatin C is an alternative biomarker to creatinine that may provide more accurate GFR estimation in certain populations, particularly those with reduced muscle mass.
The calculator uses the CKD-EPI 2012 Cystatin C equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation accounts for the relationship between cystatin C levels and kidney function, with adjustments for age and gender differences.
Details: Cystatin C-based GFR estimation is particularly valuable in patients where creatinine-based estimates may be unreliable, such as those with extremes of muscle mass, malnutrition, or liver disease.
Tips: Enter serum cystatin C in mg/L, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (cystatin C > 0, age between 1-120).
Q1: Why use cystatin C instead of creatinine?
A: Cystatin C is less influenced by muscle mass, diet, and other non-renal factors, making it more reliable in certain patient populations.
Q2: What are normal cystatin C values?
A: Normal cystatin C levels are typically 0.5-1.0 mg/L in healthy adults, though reference ranges may vary by laboratory.
Q3: When is cystatin C testing recommended?
A: Cystatin C is particularly useful in elderly patients, those with malnutrition, amputees, bodybuilders, and when creatinine-based estimates are questionable.
Q4: Are there limitations to cystatin C measurement?
A: Cystatin C can be affected by thyroid dysfunction, corticosteroid use, and inflammation. It may also be more expensive than creatinine testing.
Q5: Can cystatin C and creatinine be used together?
A: Yes, combining both biomarkers in equations can provide the most accurate GFR estimation in many clinical situations.