eGFR 71 and Creatinine slightly raised - Stage 2 CKD or not?

[EllaRuby]

Hi Everyone,

I’m wondering if I should be concerned, I’m 38 and my most recent egfr was 71 and my creatinine just slightly raised. My egfr has continued to decline for quite a few years but my creatinine hasn’t been out of range before. I have Sjogrens Syndrome, Anti- phospholipid syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. Also, I have recently tested positive for C1q antibodies that appears to be linked to lupus nephritis.

Am I worrying over nothing or should I be pursuing other tests etc?

Any help is appreciated ☺️

[RickHow]

First of all remember that "they" consider an egfr above 60 as normal in almost every lab.Considering all your other health conditions you probably take other medications. Medications can have a direct effect on egfr. You did not mention if your doctor expressed any concerns. But let us say it is NOT even due to your meds, or other health issues. The term stage 2 sounds frightening. But it really is just something to monitor over time and see if this level is your normal (again still above 60). Talk it over with your doctor. In the meantime remember what stage 2 is:

Stage 2 CKD means you have MILD kidney damage and an eGFR between 60 and 89.

Most of the time, an eGFR between 60 and 89 means your kidneys are HEALTHY and working well. But if you have Stage 2 kidney disease, this means you have other signs of kidney damage even though your eGFR is normal. Signs of kidney damage could be protein in your urine (pee) or physical damage to your kidneys. Here are some ways to help slow down the damage to your kidneys in Stage 2 kidney disease:

Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes

Control your blood pressure

Eat a healthy diet

Do not smoke or use tobacco

Be active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week

Stay at a healthy weight

Right now, and talking to your doctor, is about all you can really do.

[EllaRuby in reply to RickHow]

Hi RickHow,

Thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me, I really appreciate all that info.

No medication other than thyroid meds - thyroxine and liothyronine.

No doctors are involved at the mo, I requested my medical records and a GP in 2007 put stage 2 ckd (I was never told) and my eGFR has continued to decline but now this year also with a slightly raised creatinine.

I understand that it is not stage 2 ckd without evidence of damage to kidneys but that’s my question, should I be pursuing other tests to rule this out i.e. urine, ultrasound, biopsy? Or is a declining eGFR of 71 with slightly raised creatinine at 38 years old nothing to worry about and I should just ignore it?

My main concern is that there is a cause for this that needs treating.

Thanks again, Ella.

[RickHow in reply to EllaRuby]

I'm surprised to hear you don't get regular urine tests. Next time you are due for a blood test you ought to request a urine test. I'm sure it would probably be fine, but it is a good indicator. Further tests, I can only say what I would do. Wait. I had an ultrasound of my kidneys when I was first on the low side. The report said there was some damage to the outside of one kidney. I asked what do I do about it. The answer? "it is what it is". I've now been stage 3a and 3b for 5 years with pretty steady egfr. Do the doctors do anything about it? No. There is no medicine, just "don't eat excessive protein". If I were you I'd just ignore it best I can. See over the next few blood tests if it goes lower egfr. Remember you still are NORMAL. See what the next test shows, but throw in a urine test at that time too. If it drops, get an ultrasound, or better yet a CT. Talk this all over with your doctor.