Glomerular Filtration Rate

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[lwptoc] GFR is the amount of blood that the glomeruli filter in a minute. The glomeruli (singular: glomerular) are the microscopic vessels in the nephron (the filtering system of the kidney) and are the most important part of the filtering process. It is a screening test performed to determine how well your kidney(s) are performing… Read More

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Glomerular Filtration Rate

[lwptoc]

GFR is the amount of blood that the glomeruli filter in a minute. The glomeruli (singular: glomerular) are the microscopic vessels in the nephron (the filtering system of the kidney) and are the most important part of the filtering process. It is a screening test performed to determine how well your kidney(s) are performing by measuring the level of your kidney function. GFR is measured by the amount of blood that is filtered by the nephron in a minute.

Why is GFR Done?

The glomerular filtration rate is estimated for the following reasons:

  • To check if your kidney is functioning properly by assessing its functions.
  • To determine the level of damage that has been done to your kidney.
  • To estimate the stage of your kidney disease.
  • To motor the changes in your GFR. 

Recommendations

The GFR test is mostly recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease, to check how much damage is done. But even when there is no trace of kidney disease, it is advisable to still run the test regularly to check your kidney functional rate, especially for people who are most likely to develop kidney disease because of:

How GFR is Calculated

In calculating your GFR, certain factors have to be taken into consideration as they all affect your glomerular filtration rate. These factors are based on the formula your doctor decides to use and include:

  • The creatinine level in the blood, which is the most important factor.
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Muscular mass
  • Weight
  • Height
  • Body size

There is a formula called Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), a type of kidney function test that gives an estimated value of GFR based on individualized characteristics. This test is calculated using your creatinine level, age, gender, and race. This test is mostly carried out by individuals. However, it is subject to a lot of errors and often does not come out accurately.

Procedure

Your doctor will first have to draw blood from your vein to run a blood sample test for your creatinine level. Creatinine is the chemical waste product from creatine, the chemical that supplies energy to the muscles.

The blood sample is sent to a lab. There, the creatinine level in the blood sample is tested. Once the creatinine level is out, your doctor will run his calculation of your GFR with the formula best approved by him.

Results

The result of GFR is divided into stages, which show the level of your kidney function. Your result, therefore, can fall under any of these stages. They include:

Stage 1: 90 ml/min and above

This is the normal range. Signifies a normal kidney function with few signs of early kidney disease like protein in the urine.

Stage 2: 60 to 89 ml/min

Mild loss of kidney function, with few signs of kidney damage or disease which are more than those in stage1. This may be normal for some patients like the elderly or children.

Stage 3: 30 to 59 ml/min

Moderate loss of kidney function. With this level, you may develop more symptoms of budding kidney disease or damage like hypertension, early bone disease, anemia, etc.

Stage 4: 16 to 29 ml/min

Severe loss of kidney function. The symptoms of chronic kidney disease are more severe and you may need dialysis or may need to make arrangements for a kidney transplant.

Stage 5: 15 ml/min and below

Chronic loss of kidney function. The final stage of chronic kidney disease. If you are at this level, you have end-stage renal (kidney) disease or kidney failure, meaning your kidney has lost its ability to function and you will need dialysis and then a kidney transplant to survive

Note that if you have stage 3 and 4 for three or more months consecutively, you are heading towards a more severe case of chronic kidney disease which might, in the long run, lead to the kidney.

FAQs

What is the normal GFR per minute?

The normal rate of GFR in males is 125 ml/min and this is slightly lower than the GFR level in females.

Should I worry if my GFR is lower than 60?

The normal range of GFR is 60 ml/min and above. Any level lower than that means there is a high risk of chronic kidney disease occurring. You will need to see a nephrologist to guide you on how to improve your kidney function, because if this level keeps deteriorating, it may lead to kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of low GFR?

Symptoms often start when GFR is as low as 30 ml/min. These symptoms show that there’s a presence of chronic kidney disease or damage. They include:

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Itchiness
  • Lack of appetite
  • Bitter taste buds
  • Foamy urine
  • Blood was found in urine.
  • Confusion, etc.

What can I do to improve GFR?

Sodium intake should be reduced, therefore avoid salt as much as you can. Quit eating processed food, red meat, and keep your protein intake at the barest minimum. Also, reduce your cholesterol intake. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Quit smoking and alcohol.

Does weight loss improve GFR?

Yes, it does. A decreased body mass index (BMI) leads to a higher level of GFR. Obese people often have low levels of GFR. Therefore, if you lose weight, it increases your GFR level.