Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
The patient has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with impaired kidney function and elevated cholesterol levels? My mother is 50 years old and has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Since systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can potentially affect the kidneys and even cause glomerulonephritis, if your health check shows a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate, it is recommended that you discuss this with your rheumatologist or bring your me...[Read More] Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Understanding Employee Health Check Results: When to See a Nephrologist?
Employee health check issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my annual employee health check. The report came out on May 3rd. I am a 26-year-old male, and my results show a GFR of 86, serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dL, serum uric acid of 8.5 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen of 15 ...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
A urine specific gravity of 1.024 indicates concentrated urine; therefore, a urine protein level of 1+ does not necessarily indicate a kidney issue. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the individual has hypertension or diabetes, as well as any family history of chr...[Read More] Understanding Employee Health Check Results: When to See a Nephrologist?
Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
Kidney problems Is it necessary for a physician who had a history of urethritis over a decade ago and has taken a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine, but has had normal health values twice in recent years, to undergo regular annual check-ups? The physician has a congeni...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, not all traditional Chinese medicines cause renal dysfunction. Although you have taken a large amount of herbal medicine, it does not necessarily mean that your kidney function is impaired. However, early renal dysfunction may not pre...[Read More] Do You Need Annual Kidney Check-Ups After Past Urinary Issues?
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Water Intake Issues in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently arou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...[Read More] Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Am I normal? I have recently been experiencing frequent itching on my calves, but I haven't noticed any mosquito bites. Sometimes there are small bumps (most of the time there aren't), but they disappear quickly. I came across information stating that uremia can cause s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss 123: 1. Uremia can indeed cause skin pigmentation and the deposition of metabolic products, leading to a darker skin color and even a sensation of itching. However, it should not be localized solely to the calves as you described. There are many possible reasons for s...[Read More] Am I Normal? Understanding Itchy Skin and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
The impact of kidney disease on pregnancy? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my current situation. My creatinine level is 1.4, but my blood pressure, proteinuria, and blood urea nitrogen levels are all normal. I recently underwent a kidney biopsy, which confirmed interstiti...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, I will explain your questions in several parts. 1. The impact of a creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL on pregnancy: Although creatinine is referred to as a kidney function index, its value can be influenced by age, body weight/muscle composition, and gender. When interpreting...[Read More] Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Hello, Dr. Wu. Could you please explain the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria? Hello Dr. Wu, in my last hospital check-up report, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was highlighted in red at 83 mL/min/1.73 m², with a reference value of greater than ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) used by hospitals is estimated based on formulas derived from past research statistics on patients with chronic kidney disease. Factors such as age, weight, body composition, gender, and ethnicity can all influence the calculation of th...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
My urinary issues? Hello Dr. Wu, I previously experienced rapid weight loss due to taking Forxiga, dropping from 116 kg to 109 kg between March 30 and April 11. I stopped the medication on April 8. I was concerned about potential kidney issues, so I had blood tests done on April ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, 1. First, it is essential to understand the dosage of Forxiga you are using and whether you are combining it with other weight loss medications or treatments. A weight loss of nearly seven kilograms in less than two weeks is considered too rapid and may pose potential ha...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Proteinuria, hematuria, glomerular filtration rate? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about my last health check-up in January. The report indicated several areas in red: urine occult blood 1+, urine protein 30 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 83. Is this serious? W...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. It does not appear to be very serious; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 83, with a normal range of approximately 90 (measured in ml/min/1.73m²). A higher value is better; urine occult blood is 1+, and urine protein is 30 mg/dl, both of which are mildly abnormal. 2. Re...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Protein Intake: Guidelines for Kidney Health and Function
The amount of protein intake? Hello, doctor. Should individuals with impaired kidney function limit their protein intake? And for individuals with normal kidney function, should they also restrict their protein consumption? Can excessive protein intake in the general population l...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, (1) Individuals with impaired kidney function should indeed limit their protein intake. Generally, as kidney function deteriorates, the recommended daily protein intake should be reduced to about 80% of that of the general population (0.8 grams per kilogram per day; the ty...[Read More] Protein Intake: Guidelines for Kidney Health and Function
Managing Proteinuria in Lupus: Dietary Tips and Treatment Insights
Lupus proteinuria Hello, I have been diagnosed with lupus for about 10 years. Due to fluctuating levels, my steroid dosage has been adjusted multiple times. Recently, I discovered I have 3+ proteinuria, and I have never been hospitalized. My recent exercise levels have increased ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: Exercise can indeed lead to trace amounts of urinary protein, but it is very rare to reach a level of 3+ proteinuria. It is important to monitor whether lupus is affecting the kidneys. The diet should be low in sodium and salt, and excessive protein intake s...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria in Lupus: Dietary Tips and Treatment Insights
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous) Is chronic glomerulonephritis (membranous) always destined to require dialysis in the end? If treatment and management are ongoing, what should be noted in daily life? Will conditions like cold, fever, blood tests for creatinine, and albuminuri...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, for membranous nephropathy (chronic nephritis), it is recommended to identify the underlying causes, manage diet, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Dialysis may not be inevitable. It is advised to follow up at a nephrology clinic for further consultation. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Is a Creatinine Level of 0.8 mg/dL Considered Normal?
Creatinine 0.8 Is my creatinine level of 0.8 considered normal?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. If your age-adjusted glomerular filtration rate is 82 ml/min/1.73 m² (calculated using the MDRD formula), it is slightly below 90 ml/min/1.73 m²; however, this alone should not be used to conclude that there is a problem (as this formula was developed from studies conducted ab...[Read More] Is a Creatinine Level of 0.8 mg/dL Considered Normal?
Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing symptoms since May 2014, with the initial symptoms being proteinuria and lower limb edema. I have undergone a kidney biopsy, and the diagnosis was glomerulonephritis, for which I have been taking cor...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, there are many types of glomerulonephritis, and the key is to base treatment on the pathological report from kidney biopsy. If you believe that the treatment from the second physician is more effective, you should cooperate with the physician regarding whe...[Read More] Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Understanding Proteinuria: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Solutions
Kidney disease - Proteinuria I started noticing proteinuria about three years ago, as I often see bubbles in my urine that take a long time to dissipate. It seems that this is due to some issues with my kidneys. 1. I would like to ask if I continue to ignore this condition, is ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description of "often having bubbles when using the restroom," it is important to note that the presence of foam in urine does not automatically indicate proteinuria. The foamy appearance of urine is a reminder to consult a physician for further evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Solutions
Understanding BUN and Creatinine Levels for Kidney Function Assessment
Blood tests for kidney function indicators? If both BUN and creatinine levels in the blood test are within the normal range, does it indicate that kidney function is normal? Since the calculation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is in the first stage, does this have any re...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
To confirm normal kidney function, three tests must be normal: 1. Blood tests (BUN and Creatinine) 2. Urine tests (no hematuria, no proteinuria) 3. Ultrasound examination (no stones, no hydronephrosis...) Thank you for your inquiry, and the Nephrology Department of Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding BUN and Creatinine Levels for Kidney Function Assessment