[barbsarb]

GFR low

by barbsarb on Sat May 28, 2011 12:28 pm

I am in near complete remission (only trace amount of abnormal protein) for 15 months post stem cell transplant. During blood work at doctor visits, my blood chemistry often shows a low GFR (which the printed report says is in the moderate range for kidney disease.) My doctor says just not to worry about it, since I have no other symptoms of poor kidney function, but gives me no explanation as to why this number is so consistently low. Any ideas?

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: GFR low

by Dr. Edward Libby on Sat Jun 04, 2011 11:11 pm

GFR (glomerular filtration rate) relates to how well your kidneys are working. There is a long list of possible causes for a low (meaning less than perfect) GFR. For instance,kidney function (the GFR) declines in all people as we age. Many drugs affect the GFR and of course myeloma can affect the GFR. It is quite possible that your kidneys were injured by the myeloma and that you have sustained some permanent damage even though your response to treatment is excellent. This would not be unusual because a good response to treatment does not mean that all myeloma related damage is reversed.
I would need far more information to try and understand why your GFR is less than normal but the reason(s) may be related to many different things. I recommend you discuss this with your oncologist and primary doctor as they know your case well.