IMPLEMENTING CYSTATIN C AS A BIOMARKER TO IMPROVE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DYSFUNCTION IN PALESTINE
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Date
2025-02-05
Authors
Saleh, Malak
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to be a major threat to public wellness. Since the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a reliable indicator of kidney function and the traditional direct measurement techniques are expensive and time-consuming, estimation GFR has emerged as the most widely used technique for estimating renal function using endogenous chemicals like creatinine. Nevertheless, the restriction of creatinine requires the use of alternative markers for timely and accurate diagnosis.
Objectives: This study aimed to test cystatin C as a substitute biomarker for estimating GFR in CKD patients in Palestine and compare its efficacy to creatinine.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed between June and December, 2023 focuses on CKD patients from clinics or admitted to the Ramallah Governmental Hospital and Al-Watani Government Hospital in Nablus, Palestine. A total of 160 patients were included. Demographic, medical data were collected using structured questionnaires and hospital records. Creatinine and cystatin C levels were performed from plasma samples of patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, employing Pearson's chi-square, with a p-value of less than 0.05, which was considered significant.
Results: The study's findings suggest that cystatin C may offer a more reliable estimation of GFR compared to creatinine, with a higher stability. The equation that used both serum creatinine and cystatin C was better than the equations that used only one of these markers, as it minimized the independent limitation effect of both markers alone.
Conclusion: Implementing cystatin C as a biomarker could enhance diagnostic accuracy for CKD, allowing for timely intervention and management, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with advanced renal failure. Further research is recommended to solidify these findings and promote the integration of cystatin C into routine clinical practice.