Understanding an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m²
An estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² indicates normal or mildly decreased kidney function, which is generally not classified as chronic kidney disease (CKD) unless other markers of kidney damage are present. 1
What eGFR Measures
eGFR is a calculation that estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It's calculated from your serum creatinine using validated formulas, with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation being generally preferred 1.
Classification of Kidney Function Based on eGFR
According to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines:
- eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²: Normal kidney function (Stage G1 if other markers of kidney damage exist)
- eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²: Mildly decreased function (Stage G2 if other markers of kidney damage exist)
- eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²: Moderately to severely decreased function (Stages G3a-G5)
What Your eGFR >60 Means
With an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m²:
- Your kidneys are filtering waste at a normal or near-normal rate
- You do not meet the threshold for CKD based on eGFR alone 1
- You would only be classified as having CKD if you have other markers of kidney damage, such as:
- Albuminuria (increased protein in urine)
- Abnormalities in imaging tests
- Pathological abnormalities
- Structural abnormalities
Important Considerations
eGFR alone doesn't tell the complete story: Assessment of albuminuria is equally important for complete kidney health evaluation 1
Normal range overlaps with early CKD: An eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m² does not completely exclude kidney disease if other markers of kidney damage are present 2
eGFR varies naturally: Your eGFR can fluctuate based on:
- Hydration status
- Medication use
- Recent exercise (within 24 hours)
- Infection or fever
- Congestive heart failure
- Marked hyperglycemia
- Menstruation (in women)
- Hypertension 1
Age-related changes: eGFR naturally declines with age beginning in the third or fourth decade of life, typically by 1-2 mL/min per year after age 60 1
Monitoring Recommendations
If your eGFR is >60 mL/min/1.73 m² and you have no other risk factors or markers of kidney damage:
- Annual monitoring is generally sufficient 1
- Your healthcare provider should also check for albuminuria to complete the kidney health assessment
Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
Even with a normal eGFR, be vigilant if you have:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Family history of kidney disease
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Systemic diseases that can affect kidneys
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Significant decrease in eGFR over time (>5 mL/min/1.73 m² per year)
- Development of albuminuria
- Symptoms such as swelling, changes in urination, or unexplained fatigue
Remember that maintaining kidney health involves controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes if present, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding nephrotoxic medications when possible 3.