STUDY OF CYSTATIN-C AS A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MARKER IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYTICAL STUDY

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Cystatin C, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in a rural Indian population. The study aimed to assess whether Cystatin C could serve as a reliable biomarker for predicting cardiovascular events in CKD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in central India from September 2015 to November 2018. A total of 100 participants were enrolled, including 50 CKD patients (with GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure serum Cystatin C and lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and very low-density lipoprotein). CKD patients were followed for 6 months to monitor cardiovascular events. Statistical analyses included unpaired t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and correlation analysis. Results: Serum Cystatin C levels were significantly higher in CKD patients (3.8±0.96 mg/L) compared to controls (0.76±0.11 mg/L, p<0.001). CKD patients exhibited dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels, and reduced HDL levels. The LDL/HDL ratio was significantly higher in CKD patients (3.73±1.44) compared to controls (2.72±0.79, p<0.001). Among CKD patients, those who developed cardiovascular events during follow-up had significantly higher Cystatin C levels (4.9±0.91 mg/L) compared to those who did not experience cardiovascular events (3.6±0.24 mg/L, p<0.001). Conclusion: Cystatin C is a reliable marker for renal dysfunction and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients, particularly in rural populations. Elevated Cystatin C levels were closely associated with dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. These findings suggest that Cystatin C could be a valuable tool for the early identification of CKD patients at high risk for cardiovascular complications. Incorporating Cystatin C into clinical practice could enhance risk stratification and improve management strategies for CKD patients.