Concerned about hubby's GFR numbers

[carrie235]

Hello,

I am wondering if we should be concerned about these numbers?

Test Date:  11/15/2013
GFR = 76

Test Date:  02/16/2014
GFR = 63

Test Date:  08/13/2014
GFR = 64

Are these cause for any concern?  The doctor who looked at his test yesterday kind of blew it off but after looking at past tests, I want to make sure.  I'm not sure she looked at the past two tests.

Thank you!

[carrie235]

Thank you for your reply. Makes perfect sense!

[mr68gto]

here is a better calculator:

http://www.medcalc.com/gfr.html

[mr68gto]

Hello Carrie, I have found there are several things that can affect eGFR. Those numbers are all above 60 so to a Urologist probably won't be too concerned. My Urologist only cares if you have eGFR below 60 for the past several tests.

I have had eGFR range from a high of 90 to a low of 63 within a 6 month period.  I do some weight training and have found that if you lift weights within 48 hours it will raise your creatinine levels (which are used in arriving at eGFR). If I don't hydrate properly then my creatinine levels are also higher.  Consuming a lot of protein will also raise creatinine and lower eGFR.

A combination of being well hydrated and not lifting weights for the preceeding 24 hours (*or any large muscle straining) and not eating a lot of red meats the day before the blood draw has a huge effect on eGFR. I have verified that those 3 things can (did in my case) raise your eGFR 20 points or more.

Also, age matters. If you google you can find a chart that lists eGFR that is normal by age/gender. The older you are the lower the number normally is.  Lower your creatinine and raise your eGFR. here is a link to a calculator for eGFR:  http://nkdep.nih.gov/lab-evaluation/gfr-calculators/adults-conventional-unit.asp