CYSTATIN C

[vinadhun2]

I would like to know if someone has tested Cystatin C.

I have no health issues other than higher creatinine which was at 1.95 last time and Cystatin C was 1.63. I got blood test now and creatinine is 1.85 and Cystatin C 1.46.

Thus I find that Cystatin c has dropped more than creatinine.

Any ideas on what do these values mean

[orangecity41]

Here is a link from National Kidney Foundation on Cystatin C. It states is not a common test but can be used in determining GFR. kidney.org/atoz/content/cys...

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to orangecity41]

Oops! Poor vinadhun2 is going to think that we all fish from the same pier! Lol! I sent him the exact same link! Lol! I never read the posts of others before I send mine. I guess I should start, huh? 😃 👍

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

It is not commonly used even though I read it is more accurate in determining GFR. I assume it is expensive and most insurance won't cover it, and that is why doctors don't order it.

[vinadhun2 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Yes.you are right.

My query was that my cystatin c has dropped from 1.63 to 1.46 where as creatinine dropped from 1.94 to 1.85

Does it sound like improvement

[Sammi_n_Munk in reply to vinadhun2]

Yes. I would say that it is an improvement. Good for you, vinadhun2! Keep up the good work! Kudos! 😊👍🙏

[vinadhun2 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

Thanks for the encouragement

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to vinadhun2]

Absolutely an improvement!

[Marvin8 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

The cystatin-c test costs next to nothing and the reason doctors don't order it is usually because they have absolutely no idea what it is. At this precise moment in time, it is only considered more accurate in determining eGFR by younger nephrologists, while older ones stick by the tried and true creatinine measure. A smart patient will look for the formula that utilizes BOTH factors in determining egfr. Also, the cystatin-C eGFR is most often used to determine the prognosis of heart disease related to ckd. If your cystatin-c eGFR is higher than your creatinine eGFR, that's a better prognosis than the converse. I suggest looking up the subject in a search on this site.

[vinadhun2 in reply to Marvin8]

My cystatin C levels are improving. On 25th May it was 1.46 and on 25th June it is 1.18.

My creatinine level was 1.85 on 25th May and 1.74 on 25th June.

Any comments

[userotc]

Yes the cystatin fall is ~twice that of creatinine but I estimate only 10 and 5% resp. My gut feeling is that is not too significant. My mum's gfr dropped ~12% in last results received but we consider that in normal scatter. Better to plot over time to see trend.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi again, vinadhun2! I searched online for some info on the Cystatin C test. If I understood it properly, it’s a test that’s intended to offer some clarification to your doctor(s) on whether your kidneys have suffered any irreversible damage. I’ve copied the link from kidney.org below if you wish to read it over. Hope you find this helpful. Do take good care of yourself. Keep us posted on how things come along! All my best to you! God bless. 😊👍🙏

kidney.org/atoz/content/cys...

[vinadhun2 in reply to Sammi_n_Munk]

My cystatin C levels are improving. On 25th May it was 1.46 and on 25th June it is 1.18.

My creatinine level was 1.85 on 25th May and 1.74 on 25th June.

Any comments

[Marvin8]

May I humbly suggest that you put "cystatin-c" into the search box on this site. I've written plenty about it.

[PEACEFULLSOUL in reply to Marvin8]

Thanks for the info.

[Marvin8]

Your creatinine is within a margin of error, but at least it's moving in the right direction and that's a GOOD thing. Your cystatin-c, on the other hand, is a BIG improvement, and that's something to be REALLY happy about unless there's been a lab error. Are you doing anything in particular to have improved your cystatin-C that much? And may I ask what your creatinine eGFR is as compared to your cystatin-C eGFR? There are easy to find formulas to calculate this. Reason to celebrate a little this weekend.

ps- Please keep in mind that the biggest factor that can mess up your cystatin-c is your thyroid. If you have no thyroid problems, congrats!

[vinadhun2 in reply to Marvin8]

My gfr values are:

Only with creatinine:38

With creatinine and cystatin c:48

With cystatin c: 59

I have no health problems on any issue.

No diabetes no BP no thyroid.

All electrolytes are in normal range.

No protein through urine.

Only creatinine is high at 1.74

Since last two months I am following restrictions on 3Ps and sodium.

I am doing lab tests always from same lab.

What I am surprised is that there is considerable improvement in cystatin c but not to that extent in creatinine

[Marvin8 in reply to vinadhun2]

Your prognosis is very good in regards to avoiding end stage renal disease (Stage 5) and cardiovascular disease. Keep up the great work! Hydrate well (2 liters/day minimum), keep minding your protein/phosphorus/potassium/salt and you'll probably be ok for years. Oh, and don't forget to exercise, get good quality sleep, and avoid stress whenever possible.

[vinadhun2 in reply to Marvin8]

Thanks for your comforting words.

Can I know about you.

What stage you are?

How is situation

[Marvin8 in reply to vinadhun2]

Age 62. Diagnosed 3.5 years ago with creatinine GFR of 59. Low has been 52. Four months ago, creatinine GFR was still 59. Twenty years ago, my creatinine was 1.1.

Now it's 1.3-1.4 No other illnesses, but my C02 runs at the upper end and my phosphorus at the lower end. May have some acid/base imbalance that needs looking into. I'm muscular for my size and age, so cystatin tends to be a wee bit more accurate for me. My highest cystatin put me at eGFR of 85 a year ago, but the level increased a bit this last time in February. I'm a combined 70 eGFR. I've also had a couple of kidney ultrasounds that conflicted with each other, although both showed that my kidneys are on the smallish side (one is 10cm, the other is 9.2cm), but that may also be due to my smallish 5'6" height. First ultrasound showed some slight echogenicity while nothing was noted in my second. I've had two kidney stones and they run in my family. I was also on an nsaid for several years that may have caused damage as well. I'm only hoping that my kidneys last until there's a decent artificial/implantable one. I perish the thought of dialysis. How's that?

[vinadhun2 in reply to Marvin8]

Great.

You have controlled very well.

I am sure that you will neither need dialysis nor transplant.

I have done lot of research and read several books on the subject.

Have read that for some elderly persons with no other kidney issue creatinine levels could remain elevated but stable

[Marvin8 in reply to vinadhun2]

From your mouth to God's ears.