Biochemical indicators of cardiac and renal function in a healthy elderly population

Objectives: To examine the distributions of NT-proBNP and cystatin C and their relation to age, gender, and other physiological factors in an apparently healthy elderly population. Method: NT-proBNP and cystatin C were analyzed in 407 and 408 healthy individuals, median age: 65 (range 40-76). Results: Increasing age, female gender and CRP were independently associated to higher NT-proBNP levels. Age, body mass index, and CRP level were independently associated to the cystatin C level. In women and men, less than or equal to65 years, the 97.5th percentile value for NT-proBNP was 268 ng/l and 184 ng/l, in those older, 391 ng/l and 269 ng/l. For those less than or equal to65 years the 97.5th percentile value for cystatin C was 1.12 mg/l, and for those older 1.21 mg/l. Conclusion: In a healthy elderly population, NT-proBNP is influenced by age and gender, whereas cystatin C is influenced by age but not by gender. Both markers seem to be associated to the CRP level. (C) 2003 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.