A GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 78 ml/min/1.73m² is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Here's how to understand where that number sits:
- 90 and above — Normal kidney function
- 60–89 — Mildly reduced kidney function
- 45–59 — Mildly to moderately reduced
- 30–44 — Moderately to Show Full Answer
A GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 78 ml/min/1.73m² is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Here's how to understand where that number sits:
- 90 and above — Normal kidney function
- 60–89 — Mildly reduced kidney function
- 45–59 — Mildly to moderately reduced
- 30–44 — Moderately to severely reduced
- 15–29 — Severely reduced
- Below 15 — Kidney failure
A score of 78 falls into the mildly reduced range. It's not in crisis territory, but it does mean the kidneys aren't functioning at full capacity. For someone with lupus, this is worth paying close attention to. Lupus nephritis — where lupus inflammation affects the kidneys — can gradually impact kidney function over time.
The good news is that research suggests regular moderate exercise may help slow kidney damage in lupus, while reducing stress can also have a protective effect. Both are worth discussing with your doctor or nephrologist as part of your overall care plan.
Always share these results with your rheumatologist or nephrologist so they can track any changes and adjust your treatment if needed.
June 8