Investigation of cystatin C and cystatin C based estimated glomerular filtration rate in pregnant patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND

Impaired cardiac function leads to impaired renal function. We assessed renal function in pregnant patients with heart failure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. From 1999 to 2010, 42 pregnant patients with heart failure were classified into the single-pregnancy group and the twin or multifetation group. Clinical manifestations were assessed. Serum concentrations of creatinine and cystatin C were assessed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum concentrations of creatinine or cystatin C was completed.

RESULTS

There were 29 single pregnancies, 12 twin pregnancies, and one multifetation. Ten patients in the twin pregnancy or multifetation group had in-vitro fertilization. The concentration of creatinine was 84.6±33.8 μmol/L and the creatinine-based eGFR was 87.2±34.9 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The percentage of patients with a creatinine based eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2was 23.8%. The concentration of cystatin C was 1.5±0.7 mg/L and the cystatin C-based eGFR was 65.2±45.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The percentage of patients with a cystatin C-based eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2was 52.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum concentrations of cystatin C and cystatin C-based eGFR are important indicators of renal impairment in pregnant patients with heart failure.