The diagnostic and prognostic utility of serum cystatin C and angiopoietin 2 in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by acute kidney injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently affects patients with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed by changes in serum creatinine and urine output. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of serum cystatin C (Cys C) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang 2) in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by AKI. Methods: A total of 81 cirrhotic patients with AKI were included. AKI was diagnosed according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. All patients were assessed clinically and biochemically. Baseline serum Cys C and Ang 2 were assessed, and patients were prospectively followed-up to assess patients' and renal survival. Results: Cys C significantly predicted AKI (p < 0.001). Ang 2 (≤179.7 pg/ml) was an independent predictor of mortality in multivariate analysis. Marked ascites and partial pressure of carbon dioxide ≤ 29 were significant predictors of nonrenal recovery. Conclusion: Cys C showed validity AKI diagnosis in cirrhotic patients while Ang 2 was an independent predictor of mortality.