Introduction
EGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a key indicator of kidney function that is measured through a blood test. In this article, we will explore what EGFR is, how it is calculated, its significance, and what abnormal results may indicate.
What is EGFR?
EGFR is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. It is typically calculated using a formula that takes into account serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. A normal EGFR is between 90-120 ml/min/1.73m2, with higher values indicating better kidney function.
Significance of EGFR
EGFR is an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring kidney function. A low EGFR can indicate kidney disease or dysfunction, while a declining EGFR over time may suggest progression of kidney damage. Knowing a patient’s EGFR can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment and management of kidney conditions.
Abnormal Results
Abnormal EGFR results can range from mildly decreased to severely impaired kidney function. For example, a person with an EGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73m2 may have chronic kidney disease, while an EGFR of less than 15 ml/min/1.73m2 may indicate kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Case Study
John, a 45-year-old man, went for a routine check-up and had an EGFR test done. His results showed an EGFR of 65 ml/min/1.73m2, which was slightly below the normal range. Further evaluation revealed that John had early-stage kidney disease, and he was able to receive treatment to slow its progression.
Statistics
According to the National Kidney Foundation, an estimated 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease. Regular monitoring of EGFR through blood tests can help identify kidney issues early and prevent complications.
