Comparison of glomerular filtration rates calculated by different serum cystatin C-based equations in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the performance of serum cystatin C-based equations in calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with varying stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Serum cystatin C and creatinine levels were measured in 615 CKD patients. The CKD stage was determined by the creatinine-based estimated GFR (eGFR) equation using the four-variable abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation suggested by the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative with the addition of a coefficient applicable to Korean populations (K-aMDRD). In each CKD stage, the ratio of serum cystatin C to creatinine was calculated and six different cystatin C-based equations were used to estimate GFR. Cystatin C-based eGFR and aMDRD eGFR values were compared using the paired t test, Pearson correlation test, and the Bland–Altman plot. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53.21±14.45 years; of the 615 patients, 346 were male. The serum cystatin C-to-creatinine ratio was inversely correlated with the CKD stage. Compared with the K-aMDRD values, the results of the Hoek, Filler, and Le Bricon’s cystatin C-based eGFR equations were lower in CKD Stages 1–3 and higher in Stages 4 and 5. However, the results of the Orebro-cystatin (Gentian) equation [GFR=100/ScytC (mL/minute/1.73 m(2)) – 14] were similar to those of the K-aMDRD equation in CKD Stages 4 and 5 (15.44±9.45 vs. 15.17±9.05 mL/minute/1.73 m(2), respectively; P=0.722; bias=0.27±8.87). CONCLUSION: The eGFRs obtained from the six cystatin C-based equations differed widely. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the most accurate equation to estimate GFR in Koreans with CKD.