Learn How Your Kidneys Function and What Your Lab Numbers Mean for Chronic Kidney Disease Monitoring
Our kidneys play a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. These bean-shaped organs, located on either side of our spine, are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from our blood. They also help regulate blood pressure, produce hormones, and maintain the balance of electrolytes in our body. However, when our kidneys are not functioning properly, it can lead to a condition called chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CKD is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood and perform their other functions. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 37 million adults in the United States have CKD, and millions more are at risk. It is essential to understand how our kidneys function and what certain lab numbers mean to monitor and manage CKD effectively.
How Do Our Kidneys Function?
Our kidneys are made up of millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus, a small blood vessel, and a tubule. The glomerulus acts as a filter, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The tubule then reabsorbs essential substances like water, electrolytes, and nutrients back into the bloodstream, while the remaining waste products are eliminated through urine.
The kidneys also produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure and stimulate the production of red blood cells. These hormones are essential for maintaining a healthy balance in our body.
What is Creatinine and eGFR?
Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles during normal metabolism. It is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through urine. When our kidneys are not functioning properly, the levels of creatinine in our blood increase, indicating a decline in kidney function.
eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate and is a measure of how well our kidneys are filtering waste products from our blood. It is calculated based on our age, gender, race, and creatinine levels. eGFR is an essential number to monitor for CKD, as it helps doctors determine the stage of the disease and the appropriate treatment plan.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Stages
There are five stages of CKD, and each stage is determined based on eGFR and the presence of other kidney-related complications. Let’s take a closer look at each stage and what it means for our kidney health.
Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased eGFR (90 or above)
In this stage, there is evidence of kidney damage, but the eGFR is still normal or slightly elevated. This stage is also known as the “silent” stage, as there are usually no symptoms. However, it is essential to monitor kidney function and make lifestyle changes to prevent further damage.
Stage 2: Kidney damage with mildly decreased eGFR (60-89)
In this stage, there is mild damage to the kidneys, and the eGFR is slightly decreased. Symptoms may start to appear, such as fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet, and changes in urination. It is crucial to manage underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes to slow down the progression of CKD.
Stage 3: Moderately decreased eGFR (30-59)
At this stage, there is a moderate decline in kidney function, and symptoms may become more noticeable. These can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and changes in urine output. It is crucial to work closely with a doctor to manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
Stage 4: Severely decreased eGFR (15-29)
In this stage, the kidneys have lost most of their function, and symptoms become more severe. These can include nausea, vomiting, severe fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Treatment options may include medication, dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Stage 5: Kidney failure (eGFR less than 15)
This is the most severe stage of CKD, where the kidneys have lost all function. Symptoms may include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and confusion. Treatment options may include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Regular CKD Lab Monitoring
Regular lab monitoring is crucial for managing CKD and preventing complications. Doctors will typically order blood and urine tests to check for creatinine levels, eGFR, and other markers of kidney function. These tests may need to be done every
