Cystatin C is a small protein formed in the body’s cells, with the task of inhibiting the breakdown of certain proteins. Cystatin C is filtered and excreted by the kidneys, and measurement of cystatin C is therefore used to assess kidney function.
Cystatin C is a small protein formed in all of the body’s cells with a nucleus and is constantly secreted from these cells, as its task includes inhibiting certain enzymes from breaking down proteins outside the cells. Cystatin C is filtered and excreted via the kidneys, and its levels in the blood therefore reflect kidney function.
Unlike the traditional marker for kidney function, creatinine, cystatin C is not influenced by muscle mass, diet, age, or gender. The test is also better at measuring moderately decreased kidney function seen in early kidney damage and better at quickly detecting rapid declines in kidney function.
The reference values for cystatin C vary depending on age and may also vary depending on the laboratory performing the analysis.
A high value of cystatin C indicates impaired kidney function, meaning the kidneys are less efficient at filtering and cleansing the blood of waste products. Elevated values may also occur in other medical conditions without impaired kidney function, for example, hyperthyroidism can cause elevated levels of cystatin C. Treatment with cortisone can also lead to elevated levels without impaired kidney function.
A low value is very rare but can occur in connection with diseases such as hypothyroidism.
Cystatin C provides a good indication of kidney health, often more reliable than traditional tests like measuring creatinine. Therefore, measuring cystatin C is valuable if kidney conditions are suspected or if one is simply curious about kidney function.
When dosing certain medications and before using contrast agents in X-rays, it is also important to know the kidney function beforehand.
The levels of cystatin C itself do not affect health; elevated or low levels are secondary to other medical conditions affecting kidney health.
Healthy lifestyle habits in general help reduce the risk of kidney diseases. Factors such as quitting smoking, weight loss, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and maintaining normal blood pressure help the kidneys.
However, many diseases affecting the kidneys arise due to factors beyond one’s control. If one has been affected by kidney disease, it is always valuable to detect and treat the disease as early as possible. Many medications also affect the kidneys, so it may be valuable to discuss kidney health with a doctor when using various medications in general.
On average, adults urinate about 200–400 milliliters at a time. This amount can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the amount of fluid consumed and the capacity of the bladder. It is normal for urination frequency and volumes to vary throughout the day.
Dialysis treatment can be performed in two ways: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is passed through a machine that filters out waste products and excess fluid from the blood, and the cleaned blood is returned to the patient. In peritoneal dialysis, dialysis fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, where it collects waste products and excess fluid, and the fluid is changed regularly.
Adults typically urinate 1–2 liters per day. The amount of urine can vary based on fluid intake, environmental temperature, and the individual’s health condition. It is important to drink sufficient fluids throughout the day to maintain good hydration and health.
The frequency of dialysis depends on the patient’s health condition and the doctor’s recommendation. Typically, hemodialysis is performed three times a week, with each session lasting about 4 hours. Peritoneal dialysis can be done manually several times a day or mechanically overnight, where the treatment occurs daily.
The treatment of kidney failure depends on its severity and cause. Treatment may include medication, dietary changes, fluid intake regulation, and in some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Kidney failure is typically diagnosed through blood and urine tests that measure values indicative of kidney function, such as creatinine and urea. Imaging studies may also be conducted if necessary.
Kidney function can be supported by healthy lifestyle habits, such as adequate fluid intake, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Kidney injuries can occur due to long-term high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, certain medications, or toxic substances such as heavy metals. Inflammations and autoimmune diseases can also damage the kidneys.
Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, swelling especially in the legs and eyelids, changes in the color and amount of urine, and a general feeling of illness.
Kidney issues can manifest as back or flank pain, high blood pressure, changes in urine color, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
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Vital laboratory package Woman 50+ includes 39 values and provides senior women with a broad overview of their health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a woman over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Cystatin-C is a good measure of kidney function, which allows for the detection of impaired kidney function even before the creatinine level begins to rise.
Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) test reflects the kidneys’ ability to cleanse the blood, that is, their ability to remove excess water and waste material from the body.
Lack of folate can cause, among other things, nervous system symptoms, growth retardation and megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, enables the formation of hereditary factors, boosts metabolism, and ensures the health of the central nervous system.
Vitamin D is stored in the body during summer, but its concentration decreases during the dark winter months.
Potassium can be obtained from vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
Article updated:
23 October 2024