Estimated glomerular filtration rate - eGFR CKD-EPI

eGFR or Estimated glomerular filtration rate is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. Your doctor can calculate it from the results of your blood creatinine test, your age, body size and gender. The National Kidney Foundation recommends using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation (2009) to estimate GFR. The method for assessing GFR according to the CKD-EPI-creatinine formulas is currently recommended as the most suitable screening method in outpatient clinical practice.

A normal eGFR for adults is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m2, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Clinical laboratories that use the MDRD equation to calculate eGFR will only report actual values that are less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2 because MDRD works best for estimating reduced kidney function. A GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure.

A decrease or decline in the GFR implies progression of underlying kidney disease or the occurrence of a superimposed insult to the kidneys. This is most commonly due to problems such as dehydration and volume loss. An improvement in the GFR may indicate that the kidneys are recovering some of their function.

Symptoms of kidney disease:

Swelling in the ankles and legs. Foamy or bloody urine. Fatigue. Poor appetite. Nausea. Itching all over. A bad taste in the mouth. Confusion.

How can I increase my GFR naturally?

Avoid processed foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead. It's important to follow a low-salt diet. Salt should be limited especially if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, or swelling or difficulty breathing. Eating less than 2000 mg a day of sodium is recommended.