Role of Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Management of Cardio-Renal Syndromes

The complex interaction between heart and kidney disease has been increasingly recognized over the recent years. Pathologies within these two organs frequently coexist and, due to organ cross-talk, dysfunction in one often leads to problems in the other. The classification of the various forms of cardio-renal syndrome has made these interactions clearer. To aid in the diagnosis, management and prognosis of these conditions, many novel cardiac and renal biomarkers have emerged to supplement traditional markers which have limited specificity and sensitivity. In this review we will summarize the literature on novel renal behind these and other biomarkers and discuss their potential relevance to the clinical scenarios of cardio-renal syndrome. Semin Nephrol 32:79-92 (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.