Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker of Kidney Dysfunction in Patients with Advanced Cirrhosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is associated with considerably high morbidity and mortality rates. Disturbed renal function is among the main complications of liver cirrhosis, frequently accompanying its later stages. It is related to poorer prognosis, especially if it has resulted from acute complications (sepsis) or has followed liver transplantation. Acute renal failure (ARF) is relatively common – it occurs in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and includes prerenal azotemia, acute tubular necrosis and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). With the progression of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, the renal dysfunction usually evolves to HRS, which is associated with high mortality rate, especially type I HRS.