estimated GFR is low

Question
Hello Doctor,

I had my yearly physical this month and my eGFR was 53. My creatinine is 1.1 mg/dL. My creatinine has been 1.1 every year for the last 5 years. I am a white,, muscular female 49 years of age in what I thought was very good health. I exercise daily, eat well and don't have any of the problems associated with kidney disease. No hypertension, high blood pressure or diabetes etc.  My Doctor said eGFR is a fairly new test. We have last years test results which were also exactly 53! Last year she had me retest it a week or so later and it had gone up to 59 so she was O.K. with that. I retested again this year and it stayed at 53. She then told me that I should wait a week, taking no Ibuprophin, etc. and hydrate and we'll test again next week. We will then meet to discuss the results and my 'options'. My BUN is 15 mg/dL, potassium 4.2 mEq/L, Albumin 4.2 g/dL. Could I actually have kidney disease? Could 5.3 be my 'normal'? She said it's considered kidney disease under a 60 reading?? please help.

Lisa B


Answer
Hi Lisa,



Thanks for your question on "Allexperts".



As I have said earlier on this forum, eGFR readings must always be viewed in light of suggestive history, physical examination and other lab test results.



If these are negative and you/your doctor suspects the presence of kidney disease, please ask her to order a 24 hour urinary creatinine clearance test.



Sincerely,



Dr. Shah