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Hi there,
I happened to notice that over the past 4 months, from December 2014-April 2015, my GFR has steadily dropped each month. December it was 102, this month, it's down to 77. Now, I know 77 is still considered in normal range. But, I'm only 28, my GFR is supposed to be between 100-120. My creatinine is fine though. But.....it just doesn't seem right for a GFR to drop so much so quickly in someone my age. Hoping this isn't a precursor to kidney disease....anyone ever experience this?? GFR… read more
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures the average functionality of the kidneys. Normal kidney function has a GFR of 90+. The normal GFR is similar in both men and women, and is mathematically adjusted for body surface area. People who have larger muscle mass will typically have higher serum creatinine levels than the other people who have the same GFR (i.e. men typically have higher creatinine levels than women).
Lupus nephritis (kidneys) flares are characterized by a reduction in GFR and increased creatinine levels in blood serum.
A GFR of 77 indicates mildly reduced kidney function and falls under the stage 2 category of Chronic Kidney Disease (The Renal Association). Mildly decreased GFR can be expected in many SLE patients, as chronic kidney inflammation causes scarring and sometimes permanently diminishes organ function, thereby reducing the kidneys' estimated GFR. According to lupus.org, during a lupus nephritis flare, creatinine may remain within the normal range. For instance, if the creatinine levels of a 25 year old Caucasian woman (weighing 50kg) increased from 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL. Although both serum creatinine values are reported in the normal laboratory range, the GFR decreases from122 mL/min to 61 mL/min, indicating a profound 50% decrease in kidney function.
I would ask for a copy of my test results and double check the evaluation. With any lupus flare is important to try to prevent further organ damage!
GFRs are calculated with the following equation. It's based on your blood creatinine, age and sex and size (square meters of skin surface area).
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/hea...
Here are the normal age- and sex-dependent GFRs as a reference. GFRs normally go down with age. I have kidney disease from my lupus. My rheumy and nephrologist don't get concerned until my GRFs are below 60.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/creatinine-a...
Glomerular filtration rate, it is the test to measure your kidney function
GFR is normal above 60 and not determined to be accurate to make any determinations as long as remains above 60. Mine has ranged from 60-110 and rollercoasters since dx.
I love this site, I was trying to explain GRF to my husband tonight and then I come on here and @A MyLupusTeam Member, thank you, explained it so he could understand. This is such a blessing
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