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Glomerular Hyperfiltration

Meaning

Glomerular hyperfiltration is a pathological state defined by an abnormally elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the volume of fluid filtered from the renal glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit of time. This condition represents an early, often compensatory, physiological response, frequently observed in individuals with early-stage diabetes mellitus or high-protein intake. While initially maintaining normal waste excretion, the chronic increase in filtration pressure and workload on the nephrons is thought to contribute to long-term renal damage and the progression of chronic kidney disease. Identifying hyperfiltration is key to early intervention.