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Kidney function with PMR, prednisone, actemra?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
My eGFR is consistently in the 60-70 range so listed as Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease. It was something new when PMR was diagnosed but that was 15 years ago and long before I started Actemra. My eGFR is regularly checked. As long as it stays in the 60-70 range my doctor isn't too worried. In Stage 2 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is still mild.
https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/stages-kidney-disease/stage-2-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd-causes-symptoms-and-treatment
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Since starting Actemra my labs are monitored more regularly. My PMR symptoms are well controlled and my inflammation markers remain low. All across the board my lab values are improving. Liver function, HbA1C and lipid panel are markedly better. I have also lost weight and my blood pressure is good. My treatment with three blood pressure medications was stopped 2 years ago along with atorvastatin.
I had mild neutropenia on Actemra but not enough to warrant stopping Actemra. My LFT's are slightly elevated but that is attributed to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). My remaining lab abnormalities are attributed to Prednisone induced metabolic syndrome.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9772659/
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When I was able to taper off Prednisone ... so many things improved. Part of the improvement might also be that my chronic systemic inflammation is controlled better. My inflammation markers increase again whenever Actemra is stopped or when the time between my monthly infusions is too long. I can't say I have ever suddenly had a PMR flare since being treated with Actemra. I have tolerable aches and pains but they are attributed to arthritis and other things.
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I just Googled "is EGFR in the 60 - 70 range an indicator of kidney disease", and got this result:
"An eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) in the range of 60-70 may indicate early-stage kidney disease, but it's not a definitive diagnosis on its own.
Here's why:
eGFR measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A normal eGFR is typically above 90. An eGFR between 60 and 89 is classified as Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). However, a diagnosis of CKD Stage 2 requires evidence of kidney damage IN ADDITION to the eGFR value. This damage can include things like protein or blood in your urine, or abnormalities found through imaging tests.
eGFR naturally decreases with age. So, an eGFR of 65 in an older adult might be considered normal, whereas the same value in a younger person could warrant further investigation.
If your eGFR is 60 or higher and there are no other signs of kidney damage, you do not have CKD.
In summary:
An eGFR between 60 and 89 without kidney damage is generally considered a normal finding.
An eGFR below 60 that persists for three months or more is a strong indicator of kidney disease.
If your eGFR is between 60 and 89 and you have signs of kidney damage (like protein in your urine), it could indicate early-stage kidney disease (CKD Stage 2).
Important: It's crucial to discuss your eGFR results and any related concerns with your doctor. They can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and determine if further testing or treatment is needed. "