Kidney Function: GFR and Creatinine Levels Explained - Internal Medicine

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Understanding kidney function is crucial for maintaining overall health, especially as we age. In your case, you mentioned that your creatinine level is 0.92 mg/dL, and your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is 60 mL/min/1.73 m². To clarify, the eGFR value of 60 does not mean that your kidney function is equivalent to a GFR of 88; rather, it indicates that your kidney function is currently classified as mildly decreased.


What is Creatinine and GFR?
Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is typically produced at a relatively constant rate. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, and its level in the blood is a key indicator of kidney function. Normal creatinine levels generally range from about 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adult males, although this can vary based on muscle mass, age, and other factors.

GFR, or Glomerular Filtration Rate, is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. It estimates the volume of blood that is filtered by the glomeruli (the tiny filters in the kidneys) per minute. The normal range for GFR is typically above 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Values below this threshold can indicate varying degrees of kidney impairment.


Interpretation of Your Results
1. Creatinine Level: Your creatinine level of 0.92 mg/dL falls within the normal range, suggesting that your kidneys are still effectively filtering waste products from your blood.

2. eGFR: An eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m² indicates that your kidney function is mildly decreased. According to the National Kidney Foundation, GFR values are categorized as follows:
- Stage 1: GFR ≥ 90 (normal kidney function)
- Stage 2: GFR 60-89 (mildly decreased kidney function)
- Stage 3: GFR 30-59 (moderately decreased kidney function)
- Stage 4: GFR 15-29 (severely decreased kidney function)
- Stage 5: GFR < 15 (kidney failure)
Given your eGFR of 60, you fall into Stage 2, which means your kidney function is mildly decreased but not severely impaired.


Next Steps and Considerations
1. Monitoring: It is essential to monitor your kidney function regularly, especially since you are in the mildly decreased category. Regular blood tests to check creatinine and eGFR, along with urine tests to check for protein or other abnormalities, can help track any changes in your kidney health.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a kidney-friendly lifestyle can help maintain your kidney function. This includes:
- Staying hydrated
- Eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods
- Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels if you have hypertension or diabetes
- Avoiding over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can harm the kidneys
3. Consultation with a Specialist: If you have concerns about your kidney function or if your eGFR decreases further, it may be beneficial to consult a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for a more comprehensive evaluation and personalized management plan.

In summary, while your creatinine level is normal, your eGFR indicates that your kidney function is mildly decreased. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can help you maintain your kidney health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out for more information.