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What does a low eGFR value indicate?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Recently, I had my blood work done, and some of the numbers were off. My eGFR is down to 63, and my liver function tests were elevated. The whole situation is giving me crippling anxiety, and I am not sure what to do about it.

I had not had blood work done for a long time before this test, and all my numbers came back normal. I take the tablet Valsartan 160 mg and Amlodipine 10 mg.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Murugan Sivalingam

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) are not alarming. Your blood creatinine level is slightly high, as it reflects your higher muscle mass, as you are fairly heavy, with a body weight of about 317 pounds. Creatinine level in the blood reflects muscle mass, so people who are overweight tend to have a slightly higher level of creatinine, and those who are underweight tend to have a lower level of creatinine.

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) values are not very accurate in overweight or underweight individuals, so there is no need to be alarmed. I would advise doing the urine tests first, as you take treatment for high blood pressure.

The liver tests are alright. Do you take any protein supplements?

Kindly revert.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

The probable causes are high creatinine, likely due to increased muscle mass.

Investigations to be done

The investigations to be done are urine routine, urine spot protein, and urine spot creatinine. Repeat the creatinine level after two months wherever possible to see the trend. I would expect it to show very little change.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is high creatinine, likely due to increased muscle mass.

Treatment plan

The treatment plan is to continue with medicines for high blood pressure and ensure that your blood pressure is well controlled.

Preventive measures

Take these preventive measures: try to lose weight by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity. Avoid taking pain-relieving medicines or alternative treatments without proper medical advice. It is also important to monitor your blood pressure regularly through routine check-ups.

Regarding follow up

Follow-up repeat blood creatinine level after two months.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

I do not take any supplements of any kind. I will request these urine tests when I return in about three weeks for a follow-up visit.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Murugan Sivalingam

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is good that you are not taking any protein supplements. Make sure that you take your BP (blood pressure) medicines regularly. You can let me know once the urine tests are done.

Kind regards.

Answered byDr. Murugan Sivalingam

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At November 10, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 18, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Murugan Sivalingam
Dr. Murugan Sivalingam

Nephrology

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