What does it mean to have CKD stabilized?

[DRGPS51]

My eGFR bounces from 63-65 down to 51. Does that fluctuation mean I'm not "stabilized" as I've read that's a key goal in managing disease progression. I'm still taking an anticoagulant, Eliquis, which I think impacts my kidney function.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi DRGPS51,

Looking at your blood test results your eGFRwould be would indicate that you seem to fluctuate between Stages 2 and 3 CKD with a mild to moderate loss of renal function. However, eGFR can't be the only indicator of deteriorating kidney function in CKD, and other contributing factors need to be considered. eGFR is an estimate of GFR taking in factors such as age, sex, and other information. A key factor is blood pressure control with medication and diet, as well as reducing salt intake and keeping active.

You mention that you are taking Eliquis which is presumably because you have had a venous thromboembolic event (VTE) e.g. TIA, stroke, DVT, PE? There is guidance for your prescriber on the recommended dosage to be on in renal impairment. It is important to keep taking this medication, but do discuss your concerns with your GP and if there needs to be any adjustments made to your dose. Here is a link for more information: medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

Please click on the link to more information from the Edinburgh Renal Unit:

1) Blood Test results: edren.org/ren/edren-info/bl...

2) Chronic kidney disease and its progression: edren.org/ren/edren-info/ck...

Kidney Research UK:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease - what it is:

kidneyresearchuk.org/health...

2. Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) :

kidneyresearchuk.org/health...

3. Healthy Eating:

kidneyresearchuk.org/health...

I suggest that if you have any concerns that you have a chat with your GP or specialist.

Hope this helps. Do keep us posted!

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[DRGPS51 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thank you very much for your advice and the links, which I'll check out.

I had an unprovoked PE in Jan 2018 and was initially on Xarelto, which caused horrible side effects (night sweats, muscle spasms, bleeding gums, flank pain, rapid kidney decline). Once I was switched to Eliquis, my kidneys recovered to CKD2 levels (65 eGFR), but I'm still seeing fluctuations and the flank pain remains. I'm now on the lowest dosage of Eliquis 2.5mg and take it twice a day. I also take 1,000 iu's of Vitamin D.

My BP runs 123/78 and I've had an ultrasound of my kidneys, which were normal. My urinalysis is also normal, except for eGFR & creatinine. I asked my GP about the kidneys after the latest test results and he said "don't worry about your kidneys." He said my real concern should be my LDL and wants me on a statin, which I cannot tolerate. Took three different ones 10 years ago & had severe muscle aches.

I'm seeing a specialist for another opinion on whether I need to continue taking Eliquis. One of my doctors felt the clot was provoked by extended bed confinement/influenza, which would mean temporary treatment & not lifelong medication. I do think my kidney would stabilize at CKD2, if I was off this medication. But, if I need to continue taking it to protect me from another PE, I'm taking the lowest dosage available.

[lowraind in reply to DRGPS51]

Hydration levels can also impact your efgr. So many things can change it, cause it to elevate or decline, that an overall average is what you are looking for.