eGFR

Question
Hello Dr. Shah,



Six month ago I had my annual blood work done.  I am a 40 year old Hispanic Female, 5'4" and 175 lbs.  My Creatinine Level was a bit high (1.16) and my eGFR was 52.....I was also told that my BUN was in the normal range.  



I have no health problems and everything else was very normal including my blood pressure and glucose levels.  I have never had any health issues that would be a factor for Kidney Disease.



Last week I went back for my routine pap and the doctor tested my Creatinine level again and it improved to (1.07) which is in the normal range for this lab.  This puts my eGFR at 57....just shy of 60, which is the labs normal range.  Both levels improved in six months.



The Doctor wants me to have a Creatinine Clearence test and I will.  Last year I did this as well and everything was fine.



Why is this happening?  I am scared that I will have kidney problems in the future.  Why is all of my blood work, including the BUN levels normal, but the eGFR is borderline?  



My doctor is not alarmed and tells me not to be alarmed....but I am.  Could it be the Multi-vitamins I take or is it something that I am doing that is affecting the kidneys?  Does this mean that at some point in life I will have kidney disease/failure?



What can I do to improve the health of my kidneys?



Please help.



Andrea in Orlando, Florida  


Answer
Hi Andrea,



Thanks for asking my help on "Allexperts".



I agree with your doctor. eGFR results must always be viewed in light of suggestive history and physical exam findings.



Just relax. Nothing is wrong with your kidneys. There is no diet or therapy that will "improve" the health of normal kidneys.



Sincerely,



Dr. Shah