GFR, short for Glomerular Filtration Rate, is an important index of
evaluating kidney function. For a normal person, the GFR is about 125ml/min.
However, the normal GFR can be slightly different according to age, sex, and
body size. Also the value of GFR will decline with age.
What is GFR?
GFR is the amount of blood plasma filtered by the kidney unites per minute.
It can show how much kidney function you have left. The value of GFR is
calculated through creatinine level, age, sex, race and other factors.
How GFR is related with kidney function?
GFR is proved to be the most accurate way to detect kidney status. When a
person’s kidney function declines because of kidney damage or kidney disease,
then the GFR will decline and wastes products begin to building up in your body.
In this way, severer symptoms will be triggered. The stages of CKD (Chronic
Kidney Disease) are also divided by GFR.
Stage 1. GFR≥90: there will be an increasing risk of getting
hypertension.
Stage 2. GFR 60-89: at this stage, patients will usually present hypertension
and the PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) will be slightly high.
Stage 3. GFR 30-59: high blood pressure, reduction of calcium absorptions,
reduction of phosphorus discharge, obvious elevation of PTH，there will be
disorder in lipoprotein metabolism, reduction in idiopathic protein absorption,
the occurrence of kidney anemia and the occurrence of left ventricular
hypertrophy.
Stage 4. GFR 15-29: the above symptoms become more obvious and the metabolic
acidosis will show up. Also, hyperkalemia and reduction of hypaphrodisia will
occur.
Stage 5 GFR﹤15: this can also be called End-Stage Renal Failure. All the
above symptoms will be much severer. Patients will be at dialysis. Symptoms like
swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, itchy skin can be
presented.
The decline of GFR, or in another way, the causes of CKD can be various
kidney diseases such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, Diabetic Nepropathy, IgA
Nephropathy and other kidney disorders.
When your GFR is tested to be lower than normal level, it is better for you
to get further examination to identify whether you have kidney damage. If it
does, please receive treatment as soon as possible. You can also get medical
help and suggestion from our online service.
