Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Low Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Question: 56 year old male professional. 7-8% bodyfat and exceptionaly muscular. 5'8" 200lbs. Train hard with weights 5-6 days per week, take supplemental whey protein and creatine. Won numerous over 50 bodybuilding meets just to give you an idea of my condition. Serum creatinine has been consistent around 1.5 mg/dl for last 15 years, as far back as i have tests. Over those same years eGFR is varying from a low of 47 to a high of 56 but still consistent. Post a blood test my P.A. (new doctor's office ) is very concerned seeing these numbers though I told here they have been consistent for 15 years, as far back as I have tests (15 of them in that time). Finally accepted a 1.5 serum creatinine "might" be teporarily ok/marginal for me given my muscle mass but worried about the eGFR at 50. I think the eGFR calculation is grossly miscalculating true filtration rate given my muscle mass, weight, fat/lean ratio, use of supplemental creatine and protein. I have low Blood Pressure and am in perfect health otherwise. What do you say?
Does your opinion/answer come by e mail or do I stay on this site?
Does your opinion/answer come by e mail or do I stay on this site?
Brief Answer:
Need to investigate for Chronic Kidney Disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
you may continue to stay on this site for further follow ups.
As I can understand that your complaints are
1) low eGFR, which is stable
2) 1.5 creatinine, which is again stable
3) associated with no other complaints
Considering your findings its imp to rule out a possibility of Chronic Kidney Diease.
As you have mention of no other physical compaint, I would suggest to get your urine protein levels checked( test for proteinuria), a sonography or kidneys will be suggestible as we need to rule out any structural abnormalities,
considering the fact that your protein intake is high, creatinine of 1.5 is very likely. however, low GFR warrants investigation to rule out any possibility of Chronic Kidney Disorder.
is there a blood sugar problems?
Do you have high blood pressure problems?
Kindly follow up with above investigation. Answer to the above question will help.
stay healthy.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
Need to investigate for Chronic Kidney Disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
you may continue to stay on this site for further follow ups.
As I can understand that your complaints are
1) low eGFR, which is stable
2) 1.5 creatinine, which is again stable
3) associated with no other complaints
Considering your findings its imp to rule out a possibility of Chronic Kidney Diease.
As you have mention of no other physical compaint, I would suggest to get your urine protein levels checked( test for proteinuria), a sonography or kidneys will be suggestible as we need to rule out any structural abnormalities,
considering the fact that your protein intake is high, creatinine of 1.5 is very likely. however, low GFR warrants investigation to rule out any possibility of Chronic Kidney Disorder.
is there a blood sugar problems?
Do you have high blood pressure problems?
Kindly follow up with above investigation. Answer to the above question will help.
stay healthy.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Blood pressure is historically normal at or below 120/80 consistently and blood glucose is normal/good as well. Fasting glucose at or below 90. My understanding regarding eGFR is it is a calculated/estimated value dependent on age, body mass and serum creatinine levels. It is specifically not to be used for bodybuilders and those with higher muscle mass and that are not mostly sedentary. Point here being is eGFR is hjighly dependent on only one measured blood parameter, serum creatinine. Saw an example where a similar individual to myself actually had a GFR of >90 though his eGFR was 45, this based on a 24 hour test , so, why would one not expect eGFR to be inaccurate in this situation.
I've not ignored your advice here rather trying to understand why serum creatinine might not be a concern but eGFR is. Thanks for the input.
I've not ignored your advice here rather trying to understand why serum creatinine might not be a concern but eGFR is. Thanks for the input.
Brief Answer:
Very acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you,
Well, your judgement is very logical and medically acceptable. GFR being dependent on serum creatinine, slight higher creatinine(1.5) can bring down GFR to that level. In your case where protein mass is more, this is acceptable. However, one still needs to rule out an underlying cause, as stage 1 and 2 Chronic kidney diseases are usually symptom free.
Considering stable parameters with no active complaints, wait and watch can be advisable.
However, a sonography and urine protein test would still be advisable, in case one wants to be sure of no kidney problem.
Welcome for further queries.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
Very acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you,
Well, your judgement is very logical and medically acceptable. GFR being dependent on serum creatinine, slight higher creatinine(1.5) can bring down GFR to that level. In your case where protein mass is more, this is acceptable. However, one still needs to rule out an underlying cause, as stage 1 and 2 Chronic kidney diseases are usually symptom free.
Considering stable parameters with no active complaints, wait and watch can be advisable.
However, a sonography and urine protein test would still be advisable, in case one wants to be sure of no kidney problem.
Welcome for further queries.
Regards,
Dr Pankaj Borade
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
