What is EGFR Test? What is EGFR Low and High?

The EGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) test is used to evaluate kidney function. This test, which shows how well our kidneys are working, is an estimated measurement of glomerular filtration rate. It plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of conditions such as chronic kidney disease. While EGFR values ​​help determine how efficiently the kidneys are working, high or low EGFR levels can indicate different health problems.

What is GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)?

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a blood test that measures how well the kidneys are working. The EGFR test takes its name from the glomeruli, the part of the kidney that filters waste. Glomeruli are microscopic filters found in the kidneys. These filters help remove waste and extra fluid from the blood. Blood flow through these filters is measured with a GFR test. The most common method of expressing GFR is the estimated GFR test or eGFR.

Directly testing a patient’s GFR requires multiple blood draws over a long period of time. For this reason, most physicians use an eGFR, which involves a single blood test and a calculation. An eGFR measures how much blood these filters clean every minute. To make an estimate, your doctor will use something called a GFR calculator. A GFR calculator is a special type of mathematical formula that determines the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys. This formula; This is done using your personal information such as your age, gender, height and weight. The findings of the blood test analyze the amount of creatinine, a waste product filtered by the kidneys. Experts measure eGFR in milliliters of blood cleared per minute per unit of body surface area (mL/min/1.73m2).

What should be the EGFR value?

Average EGFR value varies according to age. However, in young adults who are considered healthy, a range of 80-120 mL/min/1.73 m2 is generally normal. GFR decreases as we age. Still, low GFR can cause problems in older adults, just like it does in teenagers. A decrease in GFR may be a sign of kidney disease or kidney failure. A GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m may indicate a higher risk for CKD complications and cardiovascular disease. However, you should remember that the normal GFR range will vary depending on your gender and body size.

What is EGFR High?

Elevated EGFR may indicate that the kidneys are overactive or that there are various abnormal conditions in the body. Although the normal range varies depending on age, gender and body structure, abnormally high EGFR levels may indicate various health problems. However, during pregnancy, EGFR increases because the kidneys work harder. Apart from this situation, EGFR height It usually means that the kidneys are filtering more waste and excess fluid than normal. High EGFR levels may also result from temporary effects on the kidneys of some drugs or toxins. Additionally, high protein intake or strenuous physical activity can also temporarily raise levels. In such cases, the apparent elevation is usually temporary. It returns to normal levels when the underlying cause is eliminated.

Persistently high EGFR levels may indicate more serious health problems. One of these, hyperfiltration, can cause the kidneys to overwork. This can lead to kidney damage in the long run. Hyperfiltration can be associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. In such cases, excessive work of the kidneys for a long time may cause damage to the kidney tissue. The damage may also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Long-term high EGFR levels may cause deterioration in kidney function, so they should be monitored carefully and necessary precautions should be taken.

What is Low EGFR?

It indicates that the kidneys are working less efficiently than normal and cannot adequately filter waste products and excess fluids. Low EGFRIt usually indicates decreased kidney function. This situation may be a sign of various health problems. Low levels may indicate different stages of kidney disease.

Kidney disease consists of five stages. These stages are classified according to EGFR values. A normal EGFR value should be above 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. The following EGFR values ​​indicate the stages of kidney disease:

• Stage I (90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and above): Indicates possible kidney damage (protein in the urine) with normal kidney function.
• Stage II (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²): It indicates kidney damage with a slight decrease in kidney function.
• Stage III (between 30-59 mL/min/1.73m2): Minimal to moderate loss of kidney function.
• Stage IV (between 15-29 mL/min/1.73m2): Severe deterioration in kidney function.
• Stage V (below 15 mL/min/1.73m2): It indicates kidney failure. This level is potentially lethal. It may require a kidney transplant or dialysis.

Low EGFR levels indicate that the kidneys are not filtering adequately and waste products are accumulating in the blood. This condition is especially common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is a long-term condition that causes gradual decline of kidney function. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, obesity and some genetic factors are the main causes of CKD.

Why is EGFR Test Done?

Early stage kidney disease normally has no symptoms. If you have a high risk of developing kidney disease, your doctor may recommend an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test. Risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be listed as follows:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Excess weight
• hereditary kidney disease

There are symptoms in the advanced stages of CKD. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need an eGFR test:

• Increased or decreased frequency of urination
• Itching
• swelling of your arms, legs or feet
• muscle pain
• Nausea and diarrhea
• decreased appetite

In Which Situations Should EGFR Testing Be Performed?

Your doctor may perform an eGFR test as part of a regular physical exam. He or she may recommend this if you have symptoms of kidney problems or risk factors for disease. EGFR testing should be done in the following cases:

• Problems, including pain when urinating
• Having to go to the toilet more often or urinate less
• Blood, foam or brown color in the urine
• Swelling or swelling around the eyes, abdomen, wrists or ankles
• Pain in the middle of the back, near the kidneys

Your doctor will probably also want to check your EGFR if you have a condition that affects your kidneys. These disorders include certain autoimmune disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and frequent urinary tract infections. You may also have an EGFR test if others in your family have diabetes or kidney disease.