A low eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) means your kidneys aren't filtering your blood as well as they should be. Think of your kidneys as tiny filters — the lower the eGFR number, the less effectively those filters are working.
With IgA Nephropathy, the kidneys become damaged over time, and eGFR is one of the Show Full Answer
A low eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) means your kidneys aren't filtering your blood as well as they should be. Think of your kidneys as tiny filters — the lower the eGFR number, the less effectively those filters are working.
With IgA Nephropathy, the kidneys become damaged over time, and eGFR is one of the key ways doctors track how much that damage has progressed. Here's a quick breakdown of what the numbers mean:
- 90 or above (Stage 1) — Kidneys may be damaged but are still functioning normally
- 60–89 (Stage 2) — Mild loss of kidney function
- 45–59 (Stage 3a) — Moderate loss of kidney function
- 30–44 (Stage 3b) — Moderate to severe loss of kidney function
- 15–29 (Stage 4) — Severe loss of kidney function
- Below 15 (Stage 5) — Kidney failure The faster your eGFR drops, the more likely IgAN is progressing. Your nephrologist will monitor this number regularly to decide whether your current treatment is working or if adjustments are needed.
Keeping blood pressure under control is also really important, as high blood pressure can speed up kidney damage and cause eGFR to decline faster.
It's always worth having an open conversation with your care team about your numbers and what steps can be taken to help protect your kidneys.
July 4
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