Why did my eGfr go up ?

Posted by pams2024 @pams2024, Apr 12 8:54am

I’m new here , my question is .. my eGfr has been in the 50’s for atleast two years . Six months ago it went from 54to 49 . Yesterday results my eGfr were 58 , does that happen ? My primary Dr had diagnosed me at ckd stage 3 for last 3-4 years

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To my understanding, exercise, hydration and diet(protein intake) all can cause fluctuations in eGFR.
My nephrologist has done a cystatin C test which he says is more accurate.

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@leslie2121

To my understanding, exercise, hydration and diet(protein intake) all can cause fluctuations in eGFR.
My nephrologist has done a cystatin C test which he says is more accurate.

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I’ll ask about that thank you !

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I have fluctuations between 35 and 55. The creatinine based eGFR is affected by hydration and muscle loss, as well as low blood pressure and low heart ejection fraction, according to my nephrologist. I will echo the other poster and suggest the Cystatin C GFR which is steadier.

I didn't worry about "stage 3" in the 50's for eGFR. When I hit 36 I got a nephrologist! Cystatin C was reassuring and remained in the low 50's.

Hydrate before any creatinine based eGFR's!

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@windyshores

I have fluctuations between 35 and 55. The creatinine based eGFR is affected by hydration and muscle loss, as well as low blood pressure and low heart ejection fraction, according to my nephrologist. I will echo the other poster and suggest the Cystatin C GFR which is steadier.

I didn't worry about "stage 3" in the 50's for eGFR. When I hit 36 I got a nephrologist! Cystatin C was reassuring and remained in the low 50's.

Hydrate before any creatinine based eGFR's!

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Thank you !

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@pams2024 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Lots of things can affect the eGFR. The overall trend is more important than any one lab number. What more does your primary doctor say about the diagnosis of stage 3 CKD? Has there been a referral to nephrology?

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Not yet , he said most likely a referral at some point . Just says exercise and watch diet and sodium .

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Yes it does happen! It happens to me often. It is affected by a lot of things and minor fluctuations like that wouldn't be too concerning. Your level of hydration, activity or exercise levels, any medications, higher sodium foods, levels of stress, even poor sleep and types of foods can affect it .
You levels for me would be considered maintaining it well!
Great job!

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@pams2024 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have read great responses to your question. One thing I would add in, is the actual lab processing your sample. While they are required to be maintained within certain tolerances, I often will see variances on my labwork. When I have bloodwork taken twice in one day at different locations, I can get different readings!! Even the time of day can affect your reading.

Hydration seems to play a major factor in our eGFR. I know it does for me.
Ginger

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@gingerw

@pams2024 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have read great responses to your question. One thing I would add in, is the actual lab processing your sample. While they are required to be maintained within certain tolerances, I often will see variances on my labwork. When I have bloodwork taken twice in one day at different locations, I can get different readings!! Even the time of day can affect your reading.

Hydration seems to play a major factor in our eGFR. I know it does for me.
Ginger

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@gingerw @pams2024. Kudos to all for great responses. I am told by my Mayo NP nephrologist that inflammation plays an important part with values for both creatinine eGFR and Cystatin C eGFR. Cystatin C can be a more useful tool for nephrologists when measured against creatinine eGFR. Since many patients take both lab tests, it is important to know that you can be at Stage 3 CKD with creatinine eGFR but at the same time be in low Stage 4 with Cystatin C. Nephrologists most always side with Cystatin C, but truly would like to see the 2 lab tests be close to the same values. As others have pointed out, it is the frequency and trend of lab results that are essential for kidney function evaluation. I am a little proactive, so my PCP has my labs done every 6 to 8 weeks.

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Are you on any new medication that has Potassium in it?

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