Cystatin C as A Prognostic Biomarker to Monitor Renal Function in Liver Cirrhosis: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Cystatin C (CysC) is a serum protein that has been accepted as an early and precise biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is especially useful in patients for whom creatinine (Cr) is deemed an inadequate marker. Estimates of the glomerular filtration rate using serum CysC are proposed as good predictors of renal function. This narrative review was done to review the use of CysC and its estimated glomerular filtration rate as a prognostic marker for renal function in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. A review of the literature was conducted using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Medline. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. The discovery of CysC has revolutionized early detection and potential reversal of kidney damage in cirrhotic patients, improving outcomes significantly. Unlike Cr-based equations, CysC offers a promising alternative for detecting decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and shows significant associations with various factors, supporting its reliability as a biomarker. Its role extends beyond renal function, showing potential in cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality, kidney transplant function, and transplant failure.