Prediction of AKI, 48 h prior to the development of AKI with cystatin C GFR and serum NGAL concentration were similar; area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) values 0.74 (0.51–0.97), P = 0.04 and 0.72 (0.52–0.92), P = 0.02 respectively. Here, CST3 is linked to acute kidney injury.