Test Showed Moderately Reduced GFR And Slightly Raised Proteins. On Medication. Cause Of Concern?

Posted on Fri, 19 Apr 2013

Question: Hello, I just got some routine blood work back for cholesterol and kidney function( need to have an MRI in 3 areas of brain and spine r/t. MS. The values for the GFR is 53, and the protein is 8.1. Chol. Is 227, and TtriG are 336....that is an improvement. At one time triglycerides were over 700!
I do take a Mg supplement for muscle relaxation, and am on several prescription meds, including narcotics (Percocet for breakthrough pain, OxyContin 80mg q12h for chronic pain). . But the kidney values have me alarmed. Can you help me interpret this a bit?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (2 hours later)

Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX
You shouldnt be very worried. This is moderately reduced GFR with only slightly raised proteins in urine. There is definitely no significant kidney damage. Some authors consider that at your age this GFR is almost normal.
What about glucose level or diabetes? DO you have any symotoms related to kidney? Legs swelling, urinary infections, lumbar pain?
You could have some of autoimmune disorders which usually go with fatigue, myalgia and arthritis. YOu should do XXXXXXX ,RF and other immunologic tests to check this. Such disorders also affect kidneys. Other most common causes are diabetic,toxic and infective glomerulonephritis and hypertension. But as I said this isnt something serious. You just need to frequently do check ups.

Lipids levels are something you should try to improve. At least try to get your cholesterol below 210 and TriG below 200. This also can damage your kidneys blood vessels.
All in all your kindeys are not so bad.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (2 hours later)

Dr.Romic, I do have primary progressive MS, as I mentioned earlier. Also, chronic Fatique/fibromyalgia. And osteoarthritis. It's hard to judge lumbar pain because that's where the LNP is and a prior laminectomy in 2000. My blood sugar in wnl, I was on meteor in for a time based on a p.a's opinion of a midday bs. However, my internist told me not to continue the metformin.
Is there anything in the vitamin or supplement categories that could cause this? I take many vitamins, including niacin for^chol, and magnesium for muscle spasm, and5-htp for wt. loss. The meds I'm on are:cymbalta 60mg qd, levothyroxin 25mcg qd, Crestor 10mg qd, lizness 1 cap bid, miralax I capful qam, Prns (beside opioids)Flexeril, Klonopin, HCTZ, (rarely taken). Also have ambien, and melatonin in house for rare occasions.
Please let me know your impression and, know I'm very grateful for your time. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Yes, but there could be some rheumatic autoimunne disorder beside MS. which causes fatigue and myalgia. Try to do check your glucoase level every time you check blood lipids, 1x/month.
You take really many medicines.
Excessive vitamin C,D, and A intake, and magnesium can negatively affect kindeys , but I dont think this is a reason for problem in your case. Also at least 2 of these drugs are reported as having kidney side effects. I wouldnt like you to get me wrong, but it is impossible to know effects of all these medicines considering their interactions and fact that those side effects arent enough investigated yet. Try to consult your doctors and see which medicines are really necessary and which one can be stopped,at least for a while.Risk for kindeys is also If you have ever been taking corticosteroids or cytotoxic drugs for MS.
I ll repeat that the most important thing is that now findings arent so bad and next check up will show is there improvement or aggravation. Knowing this you ll be able to plan further diagnostic tests and treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar