What Is The Normal Range For Gfr Levels
The GFR is the main number used by your provider to determine how well your kidneys are working. The creatinine clearance test is not used very often any more. It has largely been replaced by the estimated GFR equations using creatinine levels in the blood which means a 24-hour urine collection is not needed.
The result of GFR is divided into stages, which show the level of your kidney function. Your result, therefore, can fall under any of these stages. They include: Stage 1: 90 ml/min and above. This is the normal range. Signifies a normal kidney function with few signs of early kidney disease like protein in the urine. Stage 2: 60 to 89 ml/min
Description. The Estimated GFR is not a test performed by the laboratory, but is a calculation that occurs via an EPICrule. The result displays on the patients chart as either Estimated GFR or Estimated GFR depending on the patients age .
Here are the normal values by age: 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dL for adult males. 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for adult females. 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dL for children ages 3 to 18 years. 0.3 to 0.7 mg/dL for children younger than age 3. If your creatinine is high, it may mean you have: Kidney disease. Blockage in your urinary system. Muscle disease.
What Can Affect Gfr Levels
If you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, its also important to understand the root cause of the condition in order to protect your remaining kidney function and keep your GFR levels in a healthy range, Managing other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can help you stay healthy and slow the progression of CKD. In some cases, your care team may recommend modifying your daily routine to incorporate an exercise program and a kidney-friendly diet.
Stages Of Kidney Health For Seniors
The Kidney Foundation uses the following guidelines for stages of kidney functioning. Generally:
- In adults, the normal GFR number is 90 or higher
- Having a GFR between 60 and 89 may be normal for some people, including those over age 60. GFR tends to decline as we age even in people without kidney disease. These people may need to have GFR checked more often in the future. They may be asked to avoid medications that can damage the kidneys or reduce the dose of medicines that are removed by the kidneys
- A GFR below 60 is abnormal. The GFR test should be repeated. GFR below 60 that persists for 3 months or more means chronic kidney disease. Your health care professional may refer you to a nephrologist for evaluation and treatment. A GFR below 15 indicates kidney failure. Someone with kidney failure needs dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive
Read Also: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones
What Does Low Egfr Levels Mean
An eGFR blood test that ranges between 60 and 90 indicates healthy kidney function. However,if the eGFR blood test range is below 60,it reveals the possibility of a kidney disease. In fact,if your report shows a low eGFR blood test in the range of 60 to 20,you should seek medical help immediately for kidney malfunction or kidney disorders.
Dont Miss: Can Chocolate Cause Kidney Stones
How Does The Egfr Number Relate To Kidney Disease
Your provider may diagnose chronic kidney disease when your eGFR stays below 60 for three months in a row.
There are five stages:
- Stage 1 indicates mild kidney damage, but your kidneys are working well.
- Stage 2 indicates an increase in kidney damage from stage 1, but the kidneys continue to function well.
- Stage 3 means you have decreased kidney function and may experience symptoms.
- Stage 4 is poor kidney function, with moderate to severe kidney damage.
- Stage 5 is a sign of kidney failure. It means you have less than 15% kidney function. This stage is the most serious and can be life-threatening. You will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Also Check: Can You Have 4 Kidneys
How Do Doctors Identify Kidney Problems
Lab test results to check for kidney disease:Measuring the level of serum creatinine in your blood: to estimate glomerular filtration rate , as GFR helps to identify which stage of the disease your kidneys are reached.Urine test for protein in urine: Proteinuria is a sign of mild kidney damage even if the GFR is about 90.Normal blood pressure level represents normal selective ion exchange by kidney system.Recommendations:Here some tips of what to do if you have abnormal GFR test results?Repeat Creatinine, GFR and Urine tests periodically even if the numbers are normal, especially if you from those at risk to develop kidney disease.Early detection and identification of kidney problems lead to early treatments and close prevention of worsening the disease.You can search by zip code for the local Kidney early evaluation Program screenings at:A free program offers free screening tests for: anyone 18 years and older at increased risk for kidney disease:
- Have a family history of kidney disease.
- Youre over 60 years of age.
- Youre african american, Hispanic, asian or american indian.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high blood pressure.
You can subscribe to get free explanation for your results and learn whats the next step to to.
What To Do About A Low Gfr
Fortunately, at early stages, following a kidney healthy diet will slow the progression. We are still finding out what to eat and what to avoid, but there are many sites with kidney health cookbooks. It wont be easy for Rob, because hell have to forego red meat, chicken and most animal sources of protein. On the other hand, we love these kidney-healthy foods: greens, apples, cranberries, oats, whole bread, pumpkin seeds, radishes, and pepper.
Don’t Miss: What Tea Is Good For Kidney Function
Stages Of Kidney Disease In Children And Adults Ages 2+
Stage 1
Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR
eGFR 90 or above and other signs of kidney damage present
Stage 2
Kidney damage with mild decrease GFR
eGFR 60-89 and other signs of kidney damage present
Stage 3a
Mild to moderate decrease GFR
eGFR 45-59
Moderate to severe decrease GFR
eGFR 45-59
Stage 5
Four Key Concepts And Talking Points
1. Talk to patients about their kidneys, CKD, and their risk.
What is CKD? CKD means the kidneys are damaged and may no longer filter blood well. This damage happens over many years. As more damage occurs, the kidneys are unable to keep the body healthy – then dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed to maintain health.
How can I lower my risk for CKD? The steps you take to manage your diabetes and high blood pressure also help protect your kidneys. Choosing healthy foods, quitting smoking, and being more physically active are all important steps.
2. Communicate the importance of testing and how CKD is diagnosed.
What are the symptoms of CKD? Most people with CKD have no symptoms until their kidneys are about to fail. The only way to know if you have kidney disease is to get tested. The sooner kidney disease is found, the sooner you can take steps to begin treatment and keep your kidneys healthier longer.
How do you check for CKD? A blood test and a urine test are used to find kidney disease. Because you are at risk, you should get these tests regularly:
- GFR – A blood test measures how much blood your kidneys filter each minute, which is known as your glomerular filtration rate .
- Urine Albumin – A urine test checks for albumin in your urine. Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the filters in the kidneys are damaged.
3. Explain the progressive nature of CKD and the basics of treatment.
4. Begin to speak about dialysis and transplantation.
Read Also: Palo Azul For Kidney Stones
What Does The Test Measure
The test provides a calculation of the glomerular filtration rate, which reflects how well the kidneys are filtering the blood and is represented in milliliters per minute . The result is often listed as milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters of body surface area .
In an eGFR test, this rate is not measured directly. Instead, it is estimated by measuring another substance in the blood. Most often, creatinine is measured, and then special formulas calculate eGFR based on the level of creatinine in the blood.
Creatinine is naturally produced as a result of the bodys process of supplying energy to muscles. The kidneys filter and remove creatinine from the blood. Typically the amount of creatinine generated is relatively constant, so changes in creatinine levels in the blood can be an indicator of abnormal kidney function.
Not everyone produces the same amount of creatinine, though, which is why eGFR calculators can include factors such as age, sex, height, and ethnicity along with your creatinine levels in order to estimate the glomerular filtration rate.
While commonly used, creatinine is not the only substance that can be used to estimate GFR. For example, some eGFR tests measure cystatin C, which is a protein made by many types of cells in the body. The effects of individual factors, such as muscle mass and diet, are different when calculating eGFR using cystatin C, so this method of eGFR testing may be more accurate in some circumstances.
One Additional Point: Cyclosporine And Tacrolimus Drugs Commonly Used In Patients With Renal Allografts Have Many Drug
Every new medication that is given to a patient with a renal allograft should be reviewed to determine if it will interact with his or her transplant medications . Some medications may decrease calcineurin inhibitor levels others may cause cyclosporine or tacrolimus toxicity. In both instances, the health of the patient or the success of the renal allograft may be jeopardized. For example, St Johns Wort, a herbal preparation, may decrease cyclosporine levels substantially, potentially resulting in acute rejection. Several other commonly prescribed medications that can be associated with reduced cyclosporine levels include rifampin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine. In contrast, diltiazem, verapamil, and erythromycin may increase cyclosporine levels. Cyclosporine can interfere with the metabolism of certain statins such as simvastatin, increasing the risk of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis. If any medication must be given to a patient with a renal allograft who is taking tacrolimus or cyclosporine, a careful review of its interaction with these medications should be made. If a drug must be used that has a considerable interaction, dose adjustment may be needed with careful follow-up of the calcineurin inhibitor levels. Careful monitoring is the rule.
Don’t Miss: Carbonation And Kidney Stones
What Does Your Gfr Mean For You
Your eGFR helps identify your level of kidney function. Each stage of kidney disease matches up to an eGFR range, and knowing which stage youre in can help you identify the steps you need to take to stay your healthiest. People in early stages 1-3 of CKD, for example, may want to focus on lifestyle changes and eating a kidney-friendly diet. People in later stages CKD 4 and 5 may need to find a nephrologist and explore treatment options, such as a kidney transplant or dialysis. Use the chart below to determine which CKD stage best matches your GFR calculator results and click on the stage to learn about healthy next steps.
Can My Egfr Change
Your eGFR can change over time and can change based on some other problems, like if you have not been drinking enough water.
As chronic kidney disease gets worse, your eGFR number will go down. If caught early, healthy life changes like following a kidney-friendly eating plan and getting enough exercise may help slow down the progression of CKD and how fast your eGFR changes.
Read Also: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones
The Difference Between Gfr And Creatinine Clearance
Estimations of creatinine clearance and GFR are not the same, thats why?The kidney filtration system consists of glomerules part which filters creatinine and the tubules parts which filtersreabsorb important chemicals from the initial filtrate.GFR MDRD equation measures only the glomerular ability to filter creatinine as a waste.While Creatinine clearance C_G equation counts the whole path of creatinine removal which consists of the glomerular filtration and the active creatinine secretion in the proximal tubule which should not be counted toward GFRMedian difference between GFR and CrCl is 3, so that you may round your renal estimation to the nearest 5 mL/min/1.73 m2The medications that inhibit the active secretion of creatinine in the proximal tubule will falsly elevate serm creatinine but not the GFR.The medications that can cause false increase in serum creatinine isfor instance trimethoprim, cefoxitin (an antibiotic sometimes used for perioperative prophylaxis.Theres no clinical significance of this difference except the mentioned below:
How To Increase Gfr Level Naturally
How to improve kidney function naturally? If you are looking for an answer, then this blog post is best for you. In this blog, you will get to know about the natural ways to increase your GFR number.
Glomeruli filtration rate decreases when something obstructs the job roles of your renal system. When the level of creatinine starts increasing in the blood. Your GFR and hemoglobin start decreasing. Your GFR level describes how well your kidneys are working.
If your GFR level is below 15 that means your kidney is failed. And, if your GFR level is between 15 to 60, then you have kidney disease. But, if your GFR level is between 60 to 120 that means you and your kidneys are healthy. So, if your GFR level is high, then consult an Ayurvedachadrya who can increase GFR levels with Ayurveda.
Yes, Ayurveda, it is because there are herbs to increase GFR levels. And, Ayurvedacharya does not use any surgical treatments to cure your failed or diseased kidney.
For your convenience, in this blog, we have mentioned the story of a kidney disease survivor. to see how to increase the GFR level naturally.
Meantime, the patient got to know that there are herbs to increase the GFR level in Karma Ayurveda Hospital. So, he consulted here. Now, with the help of Ayurvedic medications, the patients Glomeruli filtration rate increased to 55.6. Along with that, his kidney functions also improved. And, all the changes occurred due to the compilation of Ayurvedic medications, and a renal diet plan.
You May Like: Flomax Used For Kidney Stones
Understanding Your Lab Values
People who develop chronic kidney disease may have some or all of the following tests and measurements. If you have kidney disease ask your doctor which tests you will have and how often they will be done. Speak to your doctor about your results. If your numbers are not in the normal range, ask how to improve them.
Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product in your blood that comes from muscle activity. It is normally removed from your blood by your kidneys, but when kidney function slows down, the creatinine level rises. Your doctor should use the results of your serum creatinine test to calculate your GFR.
Glomerular Filtration Rate : Your GFR tells how much kidney function you have. It may be estimated from your blood level of creatinine. If your GFR falls below 30 you will need to see a kidney disease specialist . A GFR below 15 indicates that you need to start a treatment for kidney failure. Your kidney disease specialist will speak to you about treatments for kidney failure, such as dialysis or kidney transplant.
Blood Urea Nitrogen : Urea nitrogen is a normal waste product in your blood that comes from the breakdown of protein from the foods you eat and from your body metabolism. It is normally removed from your blood by your kidneys, but when kidney function slows down, the BUN level rises. BUN can also rise if you eat more protein, and it can fall if you eat less protein.
COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.
How To Be Kidneysmart
There is an online course called KidneySmart, so we can continue to be informed. Rob was told to continue his exercise because that will also help his kidney health. The fact he doesnt smoke or drink alcohol, and no longer takes ibuprophen or other nsaids is also good.
In the War on Aging, we need to be informed about our bodies and aware of what we can do to stay healthy as long as we can. Even though we have two kidneys, we cant live long if they arent functioning well. Be kind to your body, its been through a lot!
Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Bad Kidneys
How Do I Find Out My Egfr
You will have a blood test to see how much creatinine is in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product in your blood that comes from your muscles. Healthy kidneys take creatinine out of your blood and send it out of your body through your urine. If your kidneys are not working the way they should, creatinine will build up in your blood.
You will have a blood test to see how much creatinine is in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product in your blood that comes from your muscles. Healthy kidneys take creatinine out of your blood and send it out of your body through your urine. If your kidneys are not working the way they should, creatinine will build up in your blood.
What Can You Do To Improve Your Gfr And Prevent Further Kidney Damage
In most cases, kidney disease is a chronic and gradually progressing disease. While its possible to improve your GFR, youre more likely to do so with acute kidney injuries rather than with chronic kidney disease. For most people with chronic disease, positive lifestyle changes may help slow the loss of kidney function.
Some studies have shown that GFR may increase over time in people at all stages of kidney disease by:
- Vitamin D deficiency is very common, and many people arent aware that theyre deficient. If you think you have a deficiency, talk with your doctor and get your blood levels tested. To increase your vitamin D levels, you can spend more time in the sun or add more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet.
- Resolving other metabolic conditions.Metabolic disorders are complex and can present in many forms. Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that addresses the root cause.
Here are other things you can do to help reduce further damage to your kidneys.
Also Check: Grapes And Kidney Stones