Biomarkers for acute cardiorenal syndrome.

Cardiorenal syndromes are disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby dysfunction in one organ may lead to dysfunction in the other organ. Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as acute kidney injury caused by acute cardiac dysfunction such as acute decompensated heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Traditional markers like serum creatinine may delay the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and provide limited information regarding the underlying pathophysiology in the setting of CRS I. Herein, we briefly review some emerging biomarkers, including brain natriuretic peptide, soluble ST2, angiopoietin, soluble thrombomodulin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, cystatin C, interleukin-18 and calprotectin. These biomarkers may help early detecting, differential diagnosis, assessing disease severity and prognosis in patients with CRS I, therefore improve patient management and outcomes.