COMBINED USE OF SERUM CREATININE AND CYSTATIN C FOR ASSESSING NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Backgrounds: In individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD), plasma creatinine reflects muscle mass, whereas cystatin C is produced by all nucleated cells. Comparing these markers may help estimate muscle mass.

Objectives: To explore the combined role of creatinine and cystatin C in assessing nutritional status in adults without CKD.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 45 adults visiting the Nephrology–Urology Clinic, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City – Branch 2 (November 2024-March 2025). Data collected included anthropometrics, medical history, and fasting blood tests (FPG, HbA1c, creatinine, cystatin C, hemoglobin, lipid profile). Analysis was performed using STATA 17.0.

Results: The mean creatinine/cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio was 11.1 ± 2.3. This ratio correlated positively with serum albumin (r = 0.33, p <0.05), negatively with age (r = –0.44, p <0.05), and was higher in males than females (11.6 ± 2.2 vs. 10.1 ± 2.2, p <0.05). There is no significant correlation with lipid or carbohydrate parameters.

Conclusions: The Cr/CysC ratio is associated with nutritional status, as indicated by serum albumin, and may indirectly reflect muscle mass. For a comprehensive evaluation, it should be combined with direct muscle mass measurements (e.g., BIA, DEXA).

Keywords: skeletal muscle; blood nutritional markers; creatinine/cystatin C ratio