The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the test(Special Test For Kidney Disease) that doctors use to show the functions of the damaged kidneys. They enable a standard and accepted measure to evaluate the extent of the disease, and according to GFR, Chronic Kidney Disease is divided into 5 stages.
Stage GFR* Description
1 90+ Normal kidney function but urine findings or structural abnormalities or genetic trait point to kidney disease
2 60-89 Mildly reduced kidney function, and other findings (as for stage 1) point to kidney disease
3 45-59 Moderately reduced kidney function
3B 30-44 Moderately reduced kidney function
4A 15-29 Severely reduced kidney function
5 <15 or on dialysis Very severe, or endstage kidney failure (sometimes call established renal failure)
Each kidney is comprised of one to two millions filters known as glomeruli. A filter separates substances based upon their unique characteristics. Each filter depends upon pressure, the selectivity characteristics of the membrane and the size or surface area. When it is in good condition, the rate of filtration is high, but when it is damaged, the ability to clear substances across a filter decreases. So when the kidney is damaged, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) will decrease with the decreased kidney functions.
When measuring GFR, a marker substance such as creatinine(High Creatinine Levels) is used. Creatinine is a metabolite produced by the muscles and digestion of the food. Each day our muscles go through “maintenance.” As new muscle builds, old muscle cells are torn down and release this metabolite into the blood where it is eliminated by the kidneys and excreted into the urine. When the kidneys are damaged, your GFR will decrease, so the wastes won’t pass through the urine and they will deposit in your blood and your body. So it will cause many symptoms and serious diseases.
GFR is a very important datum in diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease, and your doctor will characterize the status of the kidney functions.
