Cystatin C, beta-2-microglobulin and beta-trace protein in pre-eclampsia.

Background. An altered renal function is an essential component of the patho-physiology of pre-eclampsia. The plasma levels of low molecular mass proteins, e.g. β-trace protein, β-2-microglobulin and cystatin C, are increased in the third trimester of normal pregnancy. The plasma levels of cystatin C and β-2-microglobulin are further increased in pre-eclampsia, and the cystatin C level has been reported to be a reliable marker for the disease. The aim of this investigation was to study the plasma levels of β-trace protein, β-2-microglobulin and cystatin C in pre-eclampsia, and to determine the diagnostic performance of these proteins compared to that of urate and creatinine. Methods. A case-control study of 57 women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and 218 healthy women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Women in the catchment area of Lund, Sweden, were included during an 18-month period from October 2003 to April 2005. Venous blood samples were drawn upon inclusion when diagnos...