Abnormal Circulating Cystatin C Concentration C5397987
Cystatin C is a protein used to assess kidney function. Abnormal concentrations may indicate kidney impairment or disease. Management involves monitoring kidney health and treating any underlying kidney condition.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- N28.9
- ICD-11
- GA00.0
- Body system
- renal
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling winded, often due to fluid accumulation in the lungs from reduced kidney function.
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing sudden or severe shortness of breath or chest pain.
Confusion or altered mental status
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in mental alertness due to toxin accumulation affecting brain function.
Seek immediate medical attention for any sudden confusion, severe headache, or loss of consciousness.
Fatigue and weakness
(constitutional)Persistent feeling of tiredness, low energy, and general weakness that is not relieved by rest.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Peripheral edema
(renal)Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes due to fluid retention from impaired kidney function.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Changes in urination
(renal)Altered urination patterns including increased or decreased frequency, foamy urine, or blood in urine.
Frequency: 45-55% of patients
Nausea and vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Feeling sick to the stomach with urge to vomit, often related to toxin buildup when kidneys cannot filter properly.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
High blood pressure
(cardiovascular)Elevated blood pressure due to fluid and sodium retention and impaired kidney regulation of blood pressure.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Itchy skin
(dermatologic)Persistent itching or dry skin caused by mineral imbalances and toxin buildup in the blood.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Metallic taste in mouth
(neurologic)Persistent altered taste or metallic/diminished sense of taste due to metabolic changes.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Renal disease management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Renal function tracking
Regular assessment of cystatin C levels and related kidney markers to detect changes early and guide intervention.
Kidney-friendly nutrition
Reduced sodium, controlled protein, and balanced electrolyte intake to support optimal kidney filtration function.
Additional treatment options
Blood pressure optimization
Weight management, regular activity, and sodium control to maintain healthy blood pressure supporting kidney function.
lifestyleNephroprotective agents
Medications that provide kidney protection and reduce proteinuria under physician supervision.
medicationRenal imaging assessment
Diagnostic imaging to evaluate kidney structure and rule out obstructive causes or structural abnormalities affecting function.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Circulating Cystatin C Concentration C5397987?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Workgroup. KDIGO 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney International Supplements. 2012;3(1):1-150.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate Using Cystatin C. CLSI Guideline EP07. 2018.
Inker LA, Shafi T. Novel biomarkers for kidney disease: cystatin C. In: Gilbert SJ, Weiner DE, editors. National Kidney Foundation Primer on Kidney Diseases. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018:45-52.
Shlipak MG, Matsushita K, Arnlov J, et al. Cystatin C versus creatinine in determining risk based on kidney function. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;369(10):932-943.
Inker LA, Wyatt C, Feldman J, et al. Cystatin C as a filtration marker: accuracy and implications for clinical use. Kidney International. 2012;81(8):779-789.
Filler G, Bökenkamp A, Hofmann W, Le Bricon T, Martínez-Brú C, Grubb A. Cystatin C as a marker of GFR—history, indications, and future research. Clinical Biochemistry. 2005;38(1):1-8.
Zhang X, McCulloch CE, Lin F, et al. Accuracy of cystatin C-based equations for glomerular filtration rate estimation in multiple populations: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2013;158(7):518-527.
National Kidney Foundation. Clinical practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease: evaluation, classification, and stratification. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2002;39(2 Suppl 1):S1-266.
Grubb A. Cystatin C as a biomarker: estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and prospects for use worldwide. Clinical Biochemistry. 2015;48(6):377-380.
European Medicines Agency. Guideline on the Evaluation of Renal Function. EMA/CHMP/116770/2018. 2018.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy