Medication/eGFR help please.

[dizzydi]

Hi folks, sorry been a while since I posted, hope all are doing ok. I have my routine blood fastings this coming Monday, results should be back for the following day with my GP. I am currently stage3a and last reading went up from 51 to 55eGFR within days of having 2 tests in the same week in Feb. Where I was diagnosed stage 3a CKD. I am being referred to a neph, just waiitng for a letter for an appointment now, I live in South Wales of (UK), so there is a waiting list.

What I would like to know is please, can blood pressure medication temporary raise serum Creatinine/lower eGFR?

I have been on Blood pressure meds since 2002 called Adizem, my bloods were then absolutely normal, but just over 2 years ago I was put on an extra bp tab called Perindropril, I never had a blood test until a year on after being prescribed them which was last May 2012 which shown my very first kidney function decrease.

My eGFR went to the lowest of 50GFR, then Nov 2012 about the same, in Feb of this year as stated above it jumped up within a few days of each other from 51 to 55eGFR.

My Dr taken me off the Perindpril in Feb of this year as well, due to slightly raised potassium levels, that is now stable, but reading the investigations on the leaflet of that tablet is said something about it can raise serum creatinine and then in so many words reverse if discontinued.

Any info will he a help, thank you (Oh my Dr seems to think that the kidney function issues could be down to long term high bp) but as said 2 years ago my bloods were perfectly normal range.

Thanks in advance.

[dwadvani]

I am also in stage 3,GFR 40. I am considering stem cell treatment.

Deepak Advani

[GrannyChris]

I don't have any medical knowledge, but as a fellow 3a I have found that the GFR can vary from day to day. Mine has gone up slightly by keeping my blood pressure under control, and having two days a week on a low protein diet. When you see the consultant, bring diet into the conversation, not all doctors agree, but it seems to be vital, especially in the early stages, in delaying further deterioration. The consultant should also make sure that your meds are suitable for your condition. The best of luck with it all xx

[pluto94]

I was on various different bp tablets for years and there was not really big tell tell signs of affecting my GFR. Diet can help and I agree with when seeing a consultant ash to talk to their dietician too , As diet is a big thing that can help both with bp as well as the life of your kidney function . The dietician at the hospital will have access to your blood results and will be best to guide you as to which foods you are best reducing . As a general rule , reduce potassium diet along with lower protein diet is good . So reduce your salt intake to minimum as in cook fresh food with no added salt rather than processed meals .. Boil all potatoes , eliminate nuts, tomatoes , reduce dairy produce (cheese, yoghurt,,milk) , eliminate coffee, cola .

[fenal]

Estimated GFR [eGFR]

eGFR uses the result of your Creatinine test with your age and sex to estimate an approximate percentage kidney function. eGFR is only an approximate number, but gives a better idea of kidney function than Creatinine alone. If you are of black African origin, you should add 20% to the figure (this correction is unlikely to have been made in the lab but may rarely have already been made in your renal unit). Normal is over 90 ml/min/1.73m2. 'Normal' eGFR is the same for all ages and for men and women. Calculating eGFR doesn't make sense in patients on dialysis, and most dialysis patients won't see an eGFR result on Renal PatientView. If you are on dialysis and an eGFR is shown, ignore it.

Result Comments

over 90 Normal

60-90 This may be slightly reduced, but because eGFR is only an estimate of kidney function, many people with eGFR 60-90 are normal. An eGFR of 60-90 should only be used as evidence of kidney disease if there are other things wrong - such as protein or blood on urine tests, or other tests showing kidney disease - or if it is a big change from a previous eGFR.

30-60 Moderately severe kidney damage. This is known as Stage 3 CKD

15-30 Severe kidney damage, Stage 4 CKD. Anaemia and bone disease become common problems as kidney function drops below eGFR 25.

below 15 This is known as Stage 5 CKD. An average figure for commencing dialysis in the UK is 8 to 10, but this varies a lot - lower in some people, higher in others.

eGFR is only reliable in patients who are reasonably well, and not in hospital. Even then it may be quite inaccurate in some people - usually people with much more or much less muscle than usual. So it will be misleading in people with paralysis, or who have lost a leg, or who have lost a lot of weight (muscle).

More info about eGFR from the National Kidney Federation

More info about the stages of kidney disease from EdREN

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This page created 24th October 2006, last modified Sun, Jul 10, 2010, on the Renal PatientView website

[overnighthearingloss]

The egfr can vary. I have a number of auto immune issues that are responsible for my kidney issues.

I did have a renal crisis and for a period following that I was extremely unwell and was expected to start dialysis.I was at about 8 egfr. In my case, I was able to regain some function with the care of various specialists and me changing my diet in order to allow the kidneys to cope. Life was VERY boring. But I have regained enough function to stop me worrying about imminent failure. I am relatively stable now at 3b/4. But that is achieved by lots of rest and constant care with my diet.

High BP is not a good thing for kidneys. But what comes first??????