Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and comorbidities in isolated African descent communities (PREVRENAL): methodological design of a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a serious public health problem, both in Brazil and worldwide, with an increasing number of cases observed inrecent years. Especially, CKD has been reported to be highly prevalent in those of African descent. However, Brazil lacks data from early-stage CKD population studies, and the prevalence of CKD is unknown for both the overall and African descent populations. Hence, the present study aimsto estimate the prevalence of early-stage CKD and its associated risk factors in African-Brazilians from isolated African-descent communities. Herein, the detailed methodology design of the study is described. METHODS: This population-based, prospective, longitudinal, cohort study (PREVRENAL) is performed in three stages: first, clinical, nutritional, and anthropometric evaluations; measurements of serum and urinary markers; and examinations of comorbiditieswere performed. Second, repeated examinations of individuals with CKD, systemic arterial hypertension, and/or diabetes mellitus; image screening; and cardiac risk assessment were performed. Third, long-term monitoring of all selected individuals will be conducted (ongoing). Using probability sampling, 1539 individuals from 32 communities were selected. CKD was defined asaglomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤60 mL/min/1.73m2 and albuminuria > 30 mg/day. DISCUSSION: This study proposes to identify and monitor individuals with and without reduced GFR and high albuminuria in isolated populations of African descendants in Brazil. As there are currently no specific recommendations for detecting CKD in African descendants, four equations for estimating the GFR based on serum creatinine and cystatin C were used and will be retrospectively compared. The present report describes the characteristics of the target population, selection of individuals, and detection of a population at risk, along with the imaging, clinical, and laboratory methodologies used. The first and second stages have been concluded and the results will be published in the near future. The subsequent (third) stage is the long-term, continuous monitoring of individuals diagnosed with renal abnormalities or with CKD risk factors. The entire study population will be re-evaluated five years after the study initiation. The expectation is to obtain information about CKD evolution among this population, including the progression rate, complication development, and cardiovascular events.

Association between oral DNA-HPV and genital DNA-HPV.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and is observed in both men and women. The presence of the virus is often associated with benign and malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. We wished to investigate whether HPV infection in the genitalia was associated with HPV infection in the oral mucosa. METHODS: The prevalence of HPV in the oral cavity and genitalia was evaluated by DNA extraction from genital and oral cavity samples of 105 women, followed by nested PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV in the oral cavity was significantly higher in women who had genital HPV (P < 0.0001). Oral sex, alcohol, and tobacco consumption were not associated with the oral HPV infection.

FGF21 and Chronic Kidney Disease.

The global nephrology community recognizes the increasing burden of kidney disease and its poor health outcomes in the general population. Given this, strategies to establish early diagnosis, improve understanding of the natural course and develop novel therapeutic interventions to slow progression and reduce complications are encouraged. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a member of the endocrine FGF subfamily, has emerged as a master homeostasis regulator of local and systemic lipid, glucose and energy metabolism. In addition, FGF21 should be considered an autonomic and endocrine regulator of stress responses in general. Promising results has been shown in both dysmetabolic animal models and metabolic disease patients after pharmacological administration of FGF21 analogs. The association of FGF21 with renal function has been studied for more than ten years. However, the functional role of FGF21 in the kidney is still poorly understood. This review summarizes the biological effects of FGF21 and discusses what is currently known about this hormone and chronic kidney disease, highlighting important gaps that warrant further research.

Increased Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Patients With Helicobacter pylori Infection Are Associated With the Grading of Chronic Gastritis.

Background: Recent studies have found an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and prediabetes. Whether H. pylori per se or host factors are involved in the disturbance of glycated hemoglobin needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the association of glycated hemoglobin levels with endoscopic diagnosis and the inflammatory response in H. pylori infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 88 dyspeptic non-diabetic adults who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was performed through urease test and histopathological exam. Cases were initially distributed into two groups: control (without H. pylori infection, n = 22) and HP (patients with H. pylori infection, n = 66). HbA1c was measured to determine prediabetes status according to the American Diabetes Association criteria, and then the groups were subdivided into non-prediabetic (n = 14), prediabetic (n = 8), non-prediabetic HP (n = 26) and prediabetic HP (n = 40) groups. Gastric mucosa was histologically evaluated to determine H. pylori density and inflammatory activity according to Sydney System. To investigate the balance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines we measured interleukin 10 (anti-inflammatory) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-a (pro-inflammatory) in the plasma or in the gastric mucosa. Results: Patients with H. pylori infection had higher mean HbA1c levels than those without H. pylori infection. However, increased HbA1c levels were not associated with H. pylori-related factors but with the bacterial density, the intensity of inflammation and the activity of the chronic gastritis. In addition, H. pylori infection per se did not alter IL-10 and TNF-α neither in the plasma nor in the gastric mucosa, but the bacterial density was negatively correlated with systemic and local IL-10 expression. Although no correlation was found between systemic cytokines and HbA1c levels, local anti-inflammatory cytokine was correlated with HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Long-term H. pylori infection is associated with prediabetes. This association is not related to the presence of H. pylori per se but depends on the extent of bacterial colonization and the degree of both local inflammation and activity of the chronic gastritis.

Usefulness of visceral adipose tissue estimation in the prevention of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients in primary health care.

BACKGROUND: studies have shown an association between obesity and a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, little is known regarding whether this association is related to total fat or, more specifically, to central or visceral fat. OBJECTIVE: this study evaluated the correlations among the nutritional indices that measure total, central and visceral obesity with eGFR. METHODS: a cross-sectional study, involving 288 hypertensive patients. Kidney function was estimated by GFR, using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. Explanatory variables included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist stature ratio (WSR), estimated visceral adipose tissue (eVAT) and body fat percentage (BF%). RESULTS: the mean BMI was 27.8 ± 4.7 kg/m². Most of the patients (68.1%) were in the normal range of BF%, but regarding WC and eVAT, they were at very high risk (58.3% and 64.6%, respectively). In men, there were no correlations between nutritional indices and eGFR. In women, only eVAT remained negatively correlated with eGFR, estimated by MDRD and CKD-EPI equations, independent of BMI, smoking, physical inactivity, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, LDL and HDL cholesterol, uric acid and microalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: the majority of obesity indices were not associated with eGFR. Only eVAT was negatively associated with eGFR by MDRD and CKDEPI equations in hypertensive women. In primary health care, visceral adipose tissue estimation could support the identification of hypertensive women at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease.

Is vitamin d deficiency a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

The role of vitamin D in the regulation of bone metabolism has been well established. However, in recent years, many studies have demonstrated that its role extends far beyond bone health. Growing evidence has shown a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. The mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its cardiovascular protective effects are still not completely understood, but there is evidence that it participates in the regulation of renin-angiotensin system and the mechanisms of insulin sensitivity and activity of inflammatory cytokines, besides its direct cardiovascular actions. In this review, several studies linking vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic risk as well as small randomized trials that have evaluated the cardiovascular effects of its supplementation are presented. However, large randomized placebo-controlled studies are still needed before we can definitively establish the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.

Increased urinary cystatin C level is associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in kidney allograft recipients.

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the urinary excretion of cystatin C (CysC) and the presence of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in renal transplant (RT) recipients. METHODS: This prospective study included 21 adult patients who had undergone renal biopsy and RT ≥6 months prior. According to the renal biopsy reports, the patients were divided into groups with (n=12) or without (n=9) IF/TA. Analytical parameters included the following: serum and urinary levels of CysC, creatinine (Cr) and sodium (Na), total urinary protein, urinary CysC/creatinine ratio [u(CysC/Cr)], fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. RESULTS: The values of uCysC, u(CysC/Cr), proteinuria, and FENa were significantly higher in patients with IF/TA than in patients without IF/TA. The values of eGFR were statistically lower in patients with IF/TA (p=0.001). Values of uCysC significantly correlated with those of serum Cr, FENa, and eGFR (p<0.001). Among the patients with IF/TA, 67% presented with glomerulosclerosis (segmental/global). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of urinary CysC are associated with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in RT recipients and may become a useful tool for monitoring kidney allografts.

Myeloradicular Form of Neuroschistosomiasis in a Six-Year-Old Boy Infected With Schistosoma mansoni.

Neuroschistosomiasis is a severe disease caused by the presence of Schistosoma eggs and/or adult worms in the central nervous system. Schistosomal transverse myelitis represents a rare clinical form with nonspecific clinical findings, and it is thus underdiagnosed, especially in children. In this report, we describe a 6-year-old patient with the myeloradicular form of neuroschistosomiasis.

Occult hepatitis B among patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis from a capital city in northeast Brazil.

Occult hepatitis B (OHB) is characterized by the presence of HBV-DNA in the absence of HBsAg in the serum of patients. Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for hepatitis B virus and there are few data on the prevalence of OHB in this population, mainly in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OHB in patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross-sectional study was performed, including 301 patients on chronic hemodialysis at two dialysis centers in São Luís (Maranhão), northeast Brazil. Serological tests were performed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV using enzyme immunoassays (ELISA); HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA were studied by real-time PCR. The mean age was 49 ± 15 years, and 128 (42%) were female. Serological tests confirmed that all samples were HBsAg negative. Anti-HBc was positive in 114 (38%) patients, anti-HBc and anti-HBs were simultaneously positive in 104 (35%), and anti-HBc alone was positive in 10 (3%). Tests were negative for anti-HBc and anti-HBs in 55 patients (18%). Anti-HBs was the only positive marker in 132 (44%) patients. Anti-HCV was positive in 15 (5%) patients with HCV-RNA present in 14 of them (93%). HBV-DNA was positive in seven cases (2.3%). There was no association of HBV-DNA with age, gender, time on dialysis, previous kidney transplant, or HBV serological pattern, but there was a positive correlation with the presence of anti-HCV (P < 0.001). OHB in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis appears to be a relevant finding, suggesting that studying HBV-DNA in this population using sensitive molecular tests should be a recommended course of action, especially in candidates for renal transplant.

Estimated visceral adipose tissue, but not body mass index, is associated with reductions in glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.

Information on the association between obesity and initial phases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still limited, principally those regarding the influence of visceral adipose tissue. We investigated whether the visceral adipose tissue is more associated with reductions in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than total and abdominal obesity in hypertensive individuals with stage 1-2 CKD. A cross-sectional study was implemented which involved 241 hypertensive patients undergoing treatment at a primary health care facility. GFR was estimated using equations based on creatinine and cystatin C levels. Explanatory variables included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and estimated visceral adipose tissue (eVAT). The mean age was 59.6 ± 9.2 years old and 75.9% were female. According to BMI, 28.2% of subjects were obese. Prevalence of increased WC and eVAT was 63.9% and 58.5%, respectively. Results from the assessment of GFR by BMI, WC, and eVAT categories showed that only women with increased eVAT (≥150 cm(2)) had a lower mean GFR by Larsson (P = 0.016), Levey 2 (P = 0.005), and Levey 3 (P = 0.008) equations. The same result was not observed when the MDRD equation was employed. No association was found between BMI, WC, eVAT, and GFR using only serum creatinine. In the early stages of CKD, increased eVAT in hypertensive women was associated with decreased GFR based on cystatin C.

How to understand the association between cystatin C levels and cardiovascular disease: Imbalance, counterbalance, or consequence?

The association of cystatin C with renal function has been studied for more than 25 years. Cystatin C has been described to have a better diagnostic performance than creatinine to assess renal function, particularly to detect small reductions in glomerular filtration rate. Recently, cystatin C has emerged as a strong predictor of incident or recurrent cardiovascular events and adverse outcomes in patients without kidney disease. Furthermore, it has been suggested that cystatin C concentrations are directly related to both inflammation and atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the link between inflammation, atherogenesis, cardiovascular risk, and cystatin C is still poorly understood. This brief report discusses recent data, contrasting findings and possible mechanisms involved in this interaction.

Cystatin C, kidney function, and cardiovascular risk factors in primary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical usefulness of serum cystatin C (Scys) and cystatin C-based equations for the screening of chronic kidney disease in primary hypertensive patients, and correlate these markers with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 199 middle-aged adults at a basic health unit. Kidney function assessment included measurements of serum creatinine (Scr) and Scys levels, 24-hour microalbuminuria (MA), as well as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through Larsson and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations. Bland- Altman plot analysis was used to calculate the agreement between equations. RESULTS: High levels of Scys were found in 22% of the patients, even with normal values of GFR estimated by MDRD study equation. Systolic blood pressure and MA correlated better with Scys than Scr, but there was no correlation between Scys and diastolic blood pressure. Gender, age > 60 years, MA, and uric acid were significantly associated with high Scys levels. After multivariate analysis, only age > 60 yrs (RR = 6.4; p < 0.001) and male gender (RR = 3.0; p = 0.006) remained associated with high Scys levels. CONCLUSION: Cystatin C can be used as a screening marker both for detecting mild declines of renal function and for preventing the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive subjects with presumably normal renal function.

Hypertriglyceridemic waist and cardiometabolic risk in hypertensive women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with hypertension. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 218 patients monitored by HiperDia (Enrollment and Monitoring Program for Hypertensive and Diabetic Individuals) in two health units in São Luis, MA, Brazil. The dependent variable was HW and the independent variables were sociodemographics, lifestyle, anthropometrics, and health problems. RESULTS: HW was present in 33% of the sample and was predominant in women aged > 60 years (56.4%), non-whites (81.7%), those with eight or fewer years of schooling (57.3%), and those belonging to socioeconomic class C (49%). Excess weight (68.8%) and hypercholesterolemia (68.8%) were observed. HW was associated with: smoking (PR: 2.08; p = 0.017), overweight (PR: 2.46; p = 0.010), obesity (PR: 4.13; p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (PR: 1.87; p = 0.015), high levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol (PR: 3.41; p < 0.001), and fasting glycemia > 100 mg/dL or being diabetic (PR: 1.86; p = 0.006). After adjustment, total cholesterol (PR = 1.78; p = 0.012), HDL-cholesterol (PR: 3.03; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) > 25 to < 30 kg/m² (PR = 2.60; p = 0.005), and BMI > 30 kg/m² (PR = 3.61; p < 0.001) remained associated. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of HW and its association with altered lipid profile and excess body weight was observed. HW showed to be an important diagnostic tool for the monitoring of hypertensive women with metabolic risk, which is low cost, easily accessible, and useful in clinical practice, especially in primary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS).

Cystatin C and inflammatory markers in kidney transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Kidney transplantation is the best option for patients with end-stage renal disease. This study evaluated the profile of cystatin C (CysC), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as inflammatory markers in 23 living donor kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: A descriptive, analytical and prospective study was conducted between January 1st, 2007 and June 30th, 2008 on 23 living donor kidney transplant recipients. The biomarkers were evaluated before and 30 and 180 days after transplantation. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.3 years (± 11.7), females (52%) and non-whites (61%). Significant difference was found in cystatin C and creatinine before and 30 days after transplantation (p < 0.0001) and before and 180 days after transplantation (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in IL-2 between 30 and 180 days post-transplant (p = 0.0418) and in TNF-α between pre-transplant and 30 days post-transplant (p = 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between cystatin C and TNF-α at pre-transplant and between cystatin C and IL-6 at 180 days post-transplant. Comparison of biopsied and non-biopsied patients showed a significant difference in creatinine and cystatin C at 30 and 180 days post-transplant in biopsied patients. CONCLUSION: Our results showed no significant correlations between CysC, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in kidney transplant recipients at short-term follow-up. Moreover, CysC levels were very similar to creatinine levels in contrast to other inflammatory markers studied in biopsied and non-biopsied patients. Further studies are important to evaluate the long-term profile of these markers.

[The value of Cockcroft-Gault equation for the screening of decreased renal function in patients with systemic arterial hypertension]. / Valor da equação Cockcroft-Gault na triagem de função renal reduzida em pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension is a worldwide public health problem and one of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease development. METHODS: In order to compare the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation with serum creatinine and 24-hour creatinine clearance (CrCl) for the screening of reduced renal function, a cross-sectional study of 198 hypertensive patients was undertaken at a basic health unit. The demographic, nutritional, and clinical laboratory data were analyzed. Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine and 24hour CrCl. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was also estimated according to Cockcroft-Gault equation. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 60.6 ± 11.6 years-old, and 73.7% were female. The prevalence of serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dL was 7.6% and the prevalence of GFR < 60 mL/minute was 24.2%, when evaluated by the CrCl and CG equation. Reduced GFR was observed in older male patients, with lower body mass index, normal values of fasting blood glucose, and higher levels of serum uric acid and of systolic blood pressure. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of decreased renal function among hypertensive patients varies considerably, depending on the laboratory investigation used. CG-estimated CrCl has shown to be more accurate than serum creatinine for assessing GFR. CONCLUSIONS: CG-estimated CrCl was highly similar to 24-hour CrCl, proving to be a reliable primary care screening test for the early diagnosis of renal impairment in hypertensives.

[Glomerular filtration and associated factors in hypertensive individuals treated at primary care level].

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, arterial hypertension (AH) constitutes one of the main risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The monitoring of glomerular filtration (GF) is recommended for the assessment of kidney function in hypertensive individuals, as GF decrease precedes symptom onset. OBJECTIVE: To assess GF and its associated factors in hypertensive individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to June 2008 in 297 individuals with arterial hypertension (AH) with or without diabetes mellitus (DM), treated at a primary care facility in the city of São Luís, Maranhão. Patients older than 20 years and of both sexes were included in the study. Sociodemographic and nutritional status data, GF rate and microalbuminuria levels in 24-hour urine were assessed, as well as blood pressure, glucose and serum creatinine levels and a lipidogram. RESULTS: Mean age was 60.6 x 11.5 years, with a predominance of the female sex (75.1%), overweight/obesity (65.0%) and large waist circumference (60.6%). The prevalence of GF < 60 ml/min was 24.6% in the AH group without DM and 18.3% in the AH group with DM, with no significant difference. For the AH group without DM, there was an association only between reduced GF and age > 65 years, which remained after adjustment. For the AH group with DM, there was an association between reduced GF and age > 65 years, smoking habit and obesity. However, after the adjustment, age and smoking habit remained as associated factors. CONCLUSION: In these patients, the prevalence of GF < 60 ml/min was high and after the adjustment, only age > 65 years and smoking habit were shown to be factors associated to GF. This reinforces the need to systematically evaluate GF in hypertensive individuals, aiming at the secondary prevention of chronic kidney disease.

Prevalence and risk factors for acute renal failure in the postoperative of coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and the clinical outcome of patients undergone coronary artery bypass grafting who progressed with Acute Renal Failure (ARF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort prospective study was performed from data of 186 patients undergone surgery from January 2003 through June 2006. The stored data were analyzed using the software STATA 9.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of ARF was of 30.6% (57/186). In 7.0% (4/57) dialysis therapy was needed. The mean age of patients with and without ARF progression was 62.8 (+/-9.4) years and 61.3 (+/-8.8) years respectively (P=NS). CPB time >115 min (p= 0.011) and cross-clamp time >85 min (p=0.044) were related to ARF by the univariate analysis. The need for intra-aortic balloon (P= 0.049), mechanical ventilation >24h (P = 0.006), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay > three days (P< 0.0001), bradycardia (P= 0.002), hypotension (P= 0.045), arrhythmia (P=0.005) and inotropic infusion (P= 0.0001) were higher in the ARF group. Only the ICU stay longer > 3 days showed statistical correlation with ARF by the multivariate analysis (P=0.018). The mortality rate with and without ARF was 8.8% (five cases) and 0.8% (one case) respectively (P=0.016), but it reached 50% (2/4) in dialytic patients. CONCLUSION: ARF was a frequent and severe postoperative complication associated with higher mortality and longer ICU stay, which presented as risk factors: longer CPB and cross-clamp times, mechanical ventilation > 24h and hemodynamic instability.

Cystatin C, kidney function, and cardiovascular risk factors in primary hypertension / Cistatina C, função renal e fatores de risco cardiovascular na hipertensão primária

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical usefulness of serum cystatin C (Scys) and cystatin C-based equations for the screening of chronic kidney disease in primary hypertensive patients, and correlate these markers with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 199 middle-aged adults at a basic health unit. Kidney function assessment included measurements of serum creatinine (Scr) and Scys levels, 24-hour microalbuminuria (MA), as well as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through Larsson and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations. Bland- Altman plot analysis was used to calculate the agreement between equations. RESULTS: High levels of Scys were found in 22% of the patients, even with normal values of GFR estimated by MDRD study equation. Systolic blood pressure and MA correlated better with Scys than Scr, but there was no correlation between Scys and diastolic blood pressure. Gender, age > 60 years, MA, and uric acid were significantly associated with high Scys levels. After multivariate analysis, only age > 60 yrs (RR = 6.4; p < 0.001) and male gender (RR = 3.0; p = 0.006) remained associated with high Scys levels. CONCLUSION: Cystatin C can be used as a screening marker both for detecting mild declines of renal function and for preventing the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive subjects with presumably normal renal function.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a utilidade clínica da cistatina C sérica (Scys) e da equação baseada na cistatina C na triagem da doença renal crônica em pacientes com hipertensão primária e correlacionar esses marcadores com fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 199 adultos de meia-idade em uma unidade básica de saúde. A avaliação da função renal incluiu medidas dos níveis séricos da creatinina (Scr) e Scys, microalbuminúria de 24 h (MA), bem como da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) por meio das equações de Larsson e do estudo MDRD. Foi utilizada a análise Bland-Altman plot para calcular a concordância entre as equações. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados níveis elevados de Scys em 22% dos pacientes, mesmo com valores normais da TFG estimada pela equação do estudo MDRD. A pressão sistólica e a MA correlacionaram-se melhor com a Scys do que com a Scr, mas não houve correlação entre Scys e pressão diastólica. Gênero, idade maior que 60 anos, MA e ácido úrico foram significantemente associados com valores elevados de Scys. Após análise multivariada, apenas idade maior que 60 anos (RR = 6.4; p < 0.001) e gênero masculino (RR = 3.0; p = 0.006) permaneceram associados a níveis aumentados de Scys. CONCLUSÃO: A cistatina C pode ser utilizada como um marcador de triagem tanto para detectar leves declínios da função renal como para prevenir o risco de eventos cardiovasculares em sujeitos hipertensos com função renal presumivelmente normal.