GFR of 82 mL/min/1.73 m²: Normal Kidney Function
A GFR of 82 mL/min/1.73 m² represents normal or mildly decreased kidney function and does not meet criteria for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the absence of other markers of kidney damage. 1, 2
Clinical Interpretation
This GFR value falls within the Stage 2 range (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²), which represents mildly decreased kidney function but may be entirely normal for older adults. 2, 3
Normal GFR values are approximately 100-130 mL/min/1.73 m² in young men and 90-120 mL/min/1.73 m² in young women, with physiological decline beginning after age 40 years at approximately 0.75 mL/min/year. 1, 2
A GFR of 82 does NOT constitute CKD unless there is evidence of kidney damage present for ≥3 months, such as albuminuria ≥30 mg/g creatinine, proteinuria, or structural abnormalities on imaging. 1, 3
Key Clinical Thresholds
The critical threshold for CKD is GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², which represents loss of half or more of normal adult kidney function and marks the point where complications from chronic kidney disease increase significantly. 4, 1, 2
At a GFR of 82, there is no need for drug dosage adjustments for renally excreted medications, as this is only recommended when eGFR falls below 60 mL/min/1.73 m². 1
Essential Next Steps
Check for albuminuria using a spot urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) to determine if kidney damage is present. 3 Without albuminuria or other markers of kidney damage, this GFR value does not warrant a CKD diagnosis.
If albuminuria or other kidney damage markers are present, repeat measurements over 3 months to confirm chronicity, as CKD requires persistent abnormalities for ≥3 months. 3
Consider the patient's age when interpreting this value—a GFR of 82 may be completely normal for someone over 60 years old given the physiological decline with aging. 2
Important Caveats
Never rely on serum creatinine alone to assess kidney function, as it is affected by muscle mass, creatinine generation, tubular secretion, and extrarenal excretion independent of GFR. 4, 1
Extremes of muscle mass, obesity, recent exercise, infection, fever, marked hyperglycemia, or hypertension can affect creatinine and GFR estimates independently of actual kidney function. 1
Non-steady state conditions such as acute illness or recent surgery may produce inaccurate estimates. 2