Is a GFR of 82 Worrisome for a 38-Year-Old?
A GFR of 82 mL/min/1.73m² is not worrisome for a 38-year-old individual and falls within the normal range for this age group. While this value technically falls within Stage 2 CKD range (60-89 mL/min/1.73m²), it represents only a very mild decrease from the ideal GFR and is not clinically significant in the absence of other markers of kidney damage 1.
Understanding GFR Values and Age
- Normal GFR in young adults is approximately 107-130 mL/min/1.73m² 1
- GFR naturally declines with age, beginning progressively after age 30 2
- A GFR of 82 for a 38-year-old represents only a mild reduction from ideal values
- According to KDOQI guidelines, Stage 2 CKD (GFR 60-89) requires evidence of kidney damage (such as albuminuria) in addition to the GFR value to be classified as CKD 3, 1
Clinical Context and Interpretation
The clinical significance of a GFR of 82 depends on:
- Presence or absence of albuminuria
- Rate of GFR decline over time
- Presence of other risk factors for kidney disease
- Baseline kidney function
Without albuminuria or other markers of kidney damage, a GFR of 82 in a 38-year-old should not be considered CKD 1
Recommended Follow-up
For a 38-year-old with a GFR of 82 without other concerning findings:
- Repeat GFR measurement in 6-12 months to establish trend
- Check for albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
- Assess and manage cardiovascular risk factors
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications when possible
Important Considerations
Potential Pitfalls
- Over-diagnosis: Labeling someone with CKD based solely on a mildly reduced eGFR without other evidence of kidney damage 1
- Measurement variability: GFR estimates have inherent variability and a single measurement should not be over-interpreted 4
- Method of GFR estimation: Different equations (MDRD, CKD-EPI, Cockcroft-Gault) may yield slightly different results 3, 5
When to Consider Further Evaluation
Further evaluation would be warranted if:
- GFR shows a declining trend over time
- Albuminuria is present
- Patient has risk factors for kidney disease (diabetes, hypertension, family history)
- GFR is significantly lower than expected for age
Conclusion
A GFR of 82 mL/min/1.73m² in a 38-year-old individual without other markers of kidney damage represents normal kidney function with only a very mild reduction from ideal values. This finding alone does not indicate kidney disease and is not worrisome, but should be monitored periodically as part of routine health maintenance.