One of the most important parameters showing the function of the kidneys in a situation such as kidney failure; is the glomerular filtration rate. glomerular filtration with GFR expansion; rate is an important test that shows the filtering ability of the kidneys and can be estimated by considering parameters such as blood creatinine level, age and gender.
What is EGFR (CKD-EPI)?
The lower the GFR, the lower the kidney function. In some cases, such as acute urinary tract infections, temporary decreases in EGFR may occur. This does not mean permanent kidney damage. However, especially if it is used in the follow-up of kidney failure, this value gives important information both about the stage of the disease and the current working capacity of the kidneys. . The extent to which the kidneys can fulfill this function is evaluated on the amount of filtered blood per unit time. The filtering function is performed by the glomeruli in the kidneys. In healthy individuals, the glomeruli filter approximately 200 liters of blood daily, and as a result, approximately 2 liters of urine are produced in the kidneys.
EGFR is the short name for the estimated glomerular filtration rate, or in other words, the amount of blood filtered by the glomeruli per minute. It can be seen in some tests, also called CKD-EPI. It is one of the most reliable tests used to measure the level of kidney function and to determine the stage of the disease in patients with chronic kidney failure. At the same time, EGFR measurements can be used in the follow-up of kidney diseases and in investigating the effect of any treatment applied. Although the EGFR (CKD-EPI) value is below 60 for three months and above 60 with kidney damage, the presence of chronic kidney diseases can be mentioned when albumin level is impaired.
An abnormal EGFR test result is evaluated by the physician. If there is a suspicion of chronic kidney disease, further research and different diagnostic tests can be done to diagnose it. Glomer An exact determination of the advanced filtration rate rather than an estimate requires a more rigorous test. The best method for this is the procedure called inulin clearance. In this application, a radioactively labeled liquid is given to the patient intravenously and urine is collected for a period of 24 hours.
The GFR value can be determined exactly when the urine volumes and the level of labeled inulin in each sample are investigated. Since this test requires longer time and effort and EGFR is a very reliable calculation method, the primarily used function test is EGFR around the world. There is a different medical condition called
EGFR mutation. This is a different condition that is not related to glomerular filtration rate and is a term used in lung diseases caused by EGFR gene mutation. EGFR, which is used in this sense, stands for epidermal growth factor receptor.
How to Perform EGFR Test?
EGFR calculation is a practical and rapid diagnostic test that can be applied in every situation where kidney diseases are investigated. However, this test is not suitable for use alone, as EGFR may be outside the normal ranges for those under 18 years of age, pregnant women, those with large muscle mass or obesity. In individuals other than these, the estimated glomerular filtration rate can be used in the screening, detection and follow-up of early-stage kidney damage. EGFR is calculated using creatine or cystatin C levels.
Generally, different parameters such as creatinine and BUN are included in the blood results together with the EGFR test. A simple blood test, the GFR test, can be performed with a small amount of blood drawn from the veins of the arm, and results are usually available the same day or the next day. When EGFR protein leakage is evaluated together with different conditions such as creatinine or BUN elevation, important information can be obtained about the patient's kidney functions.
What is EGFR Normal Value?
Edema and swelling in the body, blood or color difference in urine, decrease in urine output, pain and burning during urination, pain in the waist and back, itching in the body, high Many symptoms such as blood pressure, nausea and vomiting are among the symptoms that indicate kidney diseases. In these patients, EGFR test and some other kidney function tests are usually performed in the form of blood analysis and urinalysis. EGFR is calculated with the help of a special GFR formula called MDRD. Then, in line with the results obtained, it can be determined whether there is kidney damage and, if there is damage, at what stage it is. The results obtained in the EGFR calculation are united as ml/min/1.73m2 and express the minute filtration rate of the kidneys.
EGFR reference value can be specified as 90 and above for adult individuals. Glomerular filtration rates in the range of 90-122 ml/min can be considered normal by considering age. As an answer to the question of how much EGFR should be, it can be stated that the range of 90-122 ml is the normal value of GFR. The reference range for the EGFR test, which shows the level of kidney damage according to the test results, is as follows:
To determine that the GFR value has decreased, an individual must have a low EGFR of 60 or less for at least 3 months. However, when the findings obtained as a result of urinalysis in individuals with a GFR measurement level of 60-90 are evaluated, minimal damage to the kidneys can be diagnosed. Therefore, if the GFR is found outside of the normal value, it should be evaluated by the physician and more detailed diagnostic tests should be applied if deemed necessary.
Causes of High EGFR
Many people who see a high EGFR result in their blood results; It seeks answers to questions such as how to lower EGFR, what does high GFR mean, and what factors affect GFR. A glomerular filtration rate above normal may indicate many conditions such as obstruction in the urinary tract, urinary incontinence of the kidneys, and inability of the kidneys to filter well.
In the follow-up of nephropathy, which is a common complication in diabetic patients, it can be concluded that the kidneys are damaged if the result is high EGFR. such situations There is also an increase in creatinine levels. In some cases, GFR elevation can be considered normal depending on reasons such as pregnancy, growth and development.
For this reason, when an abnormal GFR value is seen in the test results, regardless of whether it is high or low, the results should be shown to the physician and the physician's opinion should be acted upon.
Causes of Low EGFR
On the contrary, low EGFR Among the questions frequently asked by patients with filtration rates, there are questions such as how to increase EGFR, what is low EGFR, what does low GFR mean. GFR is among the most important markers for kidney failure. Transient decreases in EGFR may occur due to acute diseases.
However, the possibility of kidney damage is high in low GFR that continues for 3 months or longer. Common factors that can cause low EGFR include kidney failure, acute or chronic glomerulonephritis, cancers of the kidneys, and urinary tract infections. In individuals with low glomerular filtration rate, additional investigations should be made for the presence of protein leakage in the urine and infections. In addition to the creatine and BUN tests, the levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium in the blood also provide information about the filtration ability of the kidneys. Renal failure stages according to GFR are as follows:
1. Stage Kidney Failure: GFR may be over 90, protein leakage in the urine (proteinuria) may be seen, but usually the patient does not have any symptoms. Stage Kidney Failure: GFR is in the range of 60-90, mild renal failure has developed but usually still no symptoms.3. Stage Kidney Failure: GFR is in the range of 30-59 and there is moderate renal failure. Symptoms such as swelling of the hands and feet, high blood pressure and decreased urine output may develop.4. Stage Kidney Failure: GFR is in the range of 15-30. Attention should be paid to proper nutrition for kidney failure, and research on kidney transplantation or dialysis should be started.5. Stage Kidney Failure: It is the advanced stage of kidney failure with GFR<15 and the kidneys are almost inoperable. Severe symptoms develop and the patient Medical imaging techniques are among the diagnostic tests used in individuals with suspected kidney diseases. With the help of these applications, many conditions such as kidney stones, duct obstructions and tumors in the kidneys can be detected. After the problem that causes the decrease in kidney functions is fully determined, the treatment process is started. Another issue that is wondered by patients who have results below
GFR limits is the answer to the question of how many GFRs are required for dialysis. The EGFR value is not used as a stand-alone parameter when evaluating the need for the patient to start dialysis. The necessity of dialysis is decided by evaluating the current health status of the patient, electrolyte values in the blood, creatinine value and the presence of protein in the urine.
Generally, in adults over the age of 18, dialysis decision is made in patients with GFR values in the range of 10-15 ml/min/1.73m2, considering other findings. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be preferred depending on the age and health status of the patient. If you have any disease that may affect the kidneys, you can prevent permanent kidney damage by ensuring that it is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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