Comparative Analysis of Cystatin C and Creatinine as Biomarkers for Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Children

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is a progressive and often asymptomatic condition that leads to irreversible renal damage if not detected early. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease and improve long-term outcomes. Serum creatinine has traditionally been used as the standard biomarker for assessing renal function; however, its accuracy is limited due to dependence on muscle mass, age, and nutritional status (Levey & Coresh, 2012). In contrast, cystatin C has emerged as a more sensitive and reliable biomarker for early detection of renal dysfunction. This study aims to compare cystatin C and creatinine in pediatric CKD and evaluate their diagnostic value. A systematic review of KDIGO guidelines and peer-reviewed literature was conducted (KDIGO, 2024; Shlipak et al., 2013). Findings demonstrate that cystatin C provides earlier detection of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline, while creatinine is more useful in later stages. Combined use of both biomarkers significantly improves diagnostic accuracy. The study concludes that integration of cystatin C into routine pediatric nephrology practice enhances early diagnosis and improves clinical outcomes.