Cystatin C does not detect acute changes in glomerular filtration rate in early diabetic nephropathy

Background. The measurement of renal functional reserve (acute change in glomerular filtration rate [GFR] after protein load) allows the detection of sub-clinical renal dysfunction and has prognostic implications in diabetes. Our aim was to test cystatin C as an index of GFR and renal functional reserve. Methods. GFR was measured by C-Sinistrin at baseline and after protein load in 28 diabetic patients with serum creatinine <1.2 mg/dL. The C-Sinistrin was compared with cystatin C, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and Cockcroft-Gault formula. Results. Baseline C-Sinistrin ranged from 67-172 mL/min. Regression analysis showed an overall low relationship between C-Sinistrin and the indirect markers of GFR. The highest correlation with C-Sinistrin was obtained for cystatin C clearance (R-2 = 0.58, r = 0.76, p < 0.001), the 1/serum cystatin C (R-2 = 0.58, r = 0.76, p < 0.001), and serum cystatin C (R-2 = 0.52, r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Renal functional reserve was preserved in 6 of 28 patients. There was no significant change in cystatin C in response to protein load. Conclusion. Wide variation in baseline GFR emphasizes the need for the early detection of renal dysfunction. Cystatin C correlated best with CSinistrin at baseline, but did not detect renal functional reserve.