Serum cystatin C in patients with myeloma

Background: Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein thought to be synthesised by all nucleated cells and freely filtered by the kidney. It has been proposed as a marker for GFR; however, it has been suggested that there may be limitations to its use, because it may be over-expressed in some tumour cells and the abnormal tissue growth may also lead to an increased circulating level. Methods: We investigated the serum cystatin C levels in 60 patients with myeloma, comparing results with those for serum creatinine, beta (2)-microglobulin and the paraprotein concentration. Results: We found no correlation between cystatin C and the paraprotein concentration in these patients. Conclusions: These results suggest that disease burden does not correlate to the circulating Level of cystatin C in patients with myeloma. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.