What does a high eGFR mean with blood, protein, and epithelial cells in your urine when you have lupus nephritis?
A high eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) actually indicates that your kidneys are still filtering waste effectively. In lupus nephritis, doctors typically worry more about a *low* eGFR, which signals Show Full Answer
What does a high eGFR mean with blood, protein, and epithelial cells in your urine when you have lupus nephritis?
A high eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) actually indicates that your kidneys are still filtering waste effectively. In lupus nephritis, doctors typically worry more about a *low* eGFR, which signals declining kidney function.
However, finding blood and protein in your urine are key signs of lupus nephritis, even if your eGFR is currently normal or high. These indicate that the glomeruli (tiny blood vessels in your kidneys) are damaged and allowing things that should stay in your blood to leak into your urine.
Here's what these findings mean:
* Protein in urine (proteinuria) - Causes foamy urine and happens when damaged glomeruli can't keep protein in your blood
* Blood in urine (hematuria) - Makes urine pink or light brown from blood cells leaking through damaged kidney filters
* Epithelial cells - Can indicate kidney tissue damage or inflammation
Even with a good eGFR right now, these urinary changes suggest active lupus nephritis that needs treatment. Your doctor will likely want to monitor you closely with regular blood and urine tests, and possibly a kidney biopsy to determine the stage of kidney involvement.
Early treatment with immunosuppressive medications can help prevent progression and protect your kidney function long-term.
March 13
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