Question 1

What is the Meaning of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, or eGFR, quantifies kidney efficiency in filtering waste products from the blood. It represents a calculated approximation of how much blood the tiny filtering units, called glomeruli, process each minute. This metric is a key indicator of overall kidney function.

Question 2

What is the Context of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

The kidneys, vital components of the urinary system, maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance within the body. eGFR specifically assesses the filtration capability of the glomeruli, responsible for the initial step in urine formation. Proper glomerular function is indispensable for clearing metabolic waste and regulating blood composition, directly impacting systemic homeostasis.

Question 3

What is the Significance of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring eGFR holds importance in clinical practice for identifying and managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). A sustained reduction in eGFR signifies declining kidney function, which can progress to serious health complications. Early detection allows healthcare providers to implement timely interventions, adjust medication dosages, and mitigate risks, safeguarding patient well-being and preventing disease progression.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

Glomerular filtration involves blood plasma passing from capillaries into Bowman's capsule, forming the initial filtrate. The eGFR is not a direct measurement but a calculated value derived from a formula incorporating serum creatinine levels, along with patient factors like age and sex. These formulas, such as the CKD-EPI equation, estimate the rate at which glomeruli perform this essential filtering action.

Question 5

What is the Application of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

eGFR is routinely employed in clinical settings for screening, diagnosing, and staging chronic kidney disease, providing a standardized measure of renal health. Clinicians rely on eGFR values to guide decisions regarding medication adjustments for renally excreted drugs, determine dialysis initiation timing, and assess cardiovascular risk. Regular assessment of eGFR is fundamental for effective disease management and personalized care.

Question 6

What is the Metric of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

The eGFR is expressed in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters (mL/min/1.73 m²), representing the estimated volume of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute, normalized to a standard body surface area. This value is computed using laboratory results from blood tests measuring serum creatinine or cystatin C, which are then input into established equations alongside demographic data. The result provides a standardized measure of filtration capacity.

Question 7

What is the Risk of eGFR?

Accepted Answer

Misinterpretation of eGFR results can lead to clinical errors, including inappropriate medication dosing or delayed nephrology referral. Factors such as extreme variations in muscle mass, specific dietary habits, certain medications, or acute kidney injury can influence serum creatinine levels independently of actual GFR, potentially yielding inaccurate eGFR estimations. Relying solely on an eGFR value without comprehensive clinical assessment may compromise patient safety.

eGFR

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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