TABLE 1

Non-GFR determinants of creatinine and cystatin C

Increase serum creatinine concentration
Muscle mass
Protein intake
Rhabdomyolysis
Increase serum cystatin C
Male
Older age
Obesity
Smoking
Hyperthyroidism (hypothyroidism decreases it)
Glucocorticoid therapy
Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein)
Malignancy
Consider ordering serum cystatin C GFR
In patients at the extremes of muscle mass or cachexia
When the serum creatinine concentration is elevated without urinary or radiologic evidence of kidney damage
When a more precise GFR measurement will change treatment decisions
  • GFR = glomerular filtration rate