From the Guidelines
An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 87 mL/min/1.73m² in a 70-year-old healthy male is considered normal kidney function. This value falls within the normal range for kidney function, which is typically above 60 mL/min/1.73m², as defined by the National Kidney Foundation practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease 1. For a 70-year-old man, this is actually quite good, as kidney function naturally declines with age at approximately 1 mL/min/1.73m² per year after age 40.
Key Considerations
- The patient's eGFR value indicates healthy kidneys, with no specific intervention needed at this time.
- Routine health maintenance is essential, including:
- Staying well-hydrated
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Avoiding nephrotoxic medications when possible
- Having kidney function monitored annually as part of regular check-ups
- Monitoring is particularly important as the patient ages, to detect any accelerated decline in kidney function, as decreased GFR in the elderly is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, such as death and cardiovascular disease 1.
Ongoing Care
The eGFR calculation estimates how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood and is derived from serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and sometimes race, providing a more accurate assessment of kidney function than creatinine alone. By continuing routine health maintenance and monitoring kidney function, the patient can help prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease.
From the Research
eGFR 87 in 70-year-old Healthy Male
- The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 87 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in a 70-year-old healthy male is considered to be within the normal range 2.
- A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that the eGFR decline in older adults is nonlinear, with a decreasing rate of decline as age increases 2.
- The same study found that the modeled mean eGFR for men aged ≥79 and women ≥78 was below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, indicating that an eGFR of 87 is relatively high for a 70-year-old male 2.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that an eGFR of 87 in a 70-year-old healthy male is abnormal or requires medical attention.
- However, it is essential to consider other factors such as blood pressure, proteinuria, and overall kidney function when evaluating the health of an individual with an eGFR of 87 3.
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are commonly used to manage hypertension and chronic kidney disease, and their effects on eGFR and renal function have been studied 4, 5, 3, 6.