Estimation of renal function in children and adolescents with spinal dysraphism.

PURPOSE: In children with spinal dysraphism such as myelomeningocele the relation between muscle mass and body composition varies considerably. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the relevance of renal function assessments done with serum creatinine. Since serum cystatin C has been suggested to be independent of body size and composition, this evaluation was compared to chromium(51) edetic acid clearance.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Simultaneous measurements of cystatin C and chromium(51) edetic acid clearance were performed prospectively in 65 patients 2 to 19 years old with spinal dysraphism.

RESULTS

Cystatin C values were within the normal range in all patients, while chromium(51) edetic acid clearance was reduced in 10. A significant relation was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Using chromium(51) edetic acid clearance as a gold standard, children with spinal dysraphism and slightly to moderately reduced renal function may remain undiagnosed if cystatin C is used for evaluation.