The Glomerular Filtration Rate ( GFR ) is an important indicator of kidney function. It represents the amount of blood filtered by the glomeruli per minute, usually expressed in <milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters> of body surface area. The glomeruli are tiny filtering units in the kidneys responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the blood. Therefore, GFR reflects the kidneys’ ability to eliminate waste over a specific time.
Normal Range of GFR
🔆Normal GFR: For adults, a normal GFR is typically above 90 milliliters per minute. Young, healthy individuals may have a GFR that exceeds 120 milliliters per minute.
🔆Mild Decrease: A GFR of 60-89 milliliters per minute usually indicates a slight decline in kidney function.
🔆Moderate Decrease: A GFR of 30-59 milliliters per minute suggests moderate kidney impairment.
🔆Severe Decrease: A GFR of 15-29 milliliters per minute indicates severe kidney dysfunction.
🔆End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): A GFR of less than 15 milliliters per minute signifies kidney failure, and patients typically require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
How is GFR Measured ?
GFR is commonly estimated using serum creatinine levels (a waste product produced by muscle metabolism) in combination with factors such as age, gender, and weight. This method is simple and widely used; doctors may also recommend other detailed kidney function tests, such as urine tests and imaging studies, as needed.
Why is GFR Important ?
GFR reflects the kidneys’ filtering capacity, helping doctors assess whether the kidneys are functioning normally and the severity of kidney disease. A lower GFR indicates more severe kidney impairment. Physicians will use the GFR value to develop treatment plans and decide whether the patient requires dialysis or further intervention.
In summary, GFR is a key value for assessing kidney health, aiding in the detection of early kidney disease and enabling timely preventive and therapeutic measures🤗
