New Test Could Lead To Earlier Detection Of Kidney Problems

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that a new test could help identify kidney disease earlier.

According to a news story on NY1 News, the test measures levels of protein called cystatin C. Researchers say it helps identify risks that aren't detected by the standard kidney function test, measures of protein called creatinine.

“What we have found was that those with the higher cystatin C levels were more likely to die, almost twice as likely to die from a cardiovascular cause, and to develop heart attack and stroke,” says Dr. Michael Shlipak of San Francisco VA Medical Center, and the author of the study.

Researchers say it's evidence that a normal creatinine level doesn't necessarily mean normal kidney function and suggest cystatin could be a new tool to go along with regular creatinine tests.

But Dr. Morton Kleiner, Director of the Nephrology Division at Staten Island University Hospital, says while there is a benefit in the cystatin test, it's not significant enough to change how they treat and screen patients (NY1 News).