My eGFR is 59: Do I Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

My eGFR is 59: Do I Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

If you’ve just received a blood test result showing an eGFR of 59 ml/min, the first thing to do is take a deep breath.

Whilst this number technically places you at the beginning of “Stage 3” kidney disease, it is often a mild finding that may not even represent a permanent problem.

What Does an eGFR of 59 Mean?

eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. It is a calculation based on the level of creatinine (a waste product) in your blood to estimate how well your kidneys are filtering.

• • Normal Range: Usually 90–120 ml/min.

  • Your Result (59): This is categorised as Stage 3A CKD (Mild to Moderate).

But. The big BUT. This is not necessarily a disease. Here is why.

Step 1: Why You Must Recheck the Result

An eGFR of 59 on a single test does not automatically mean you have a chronic disease. The eGFR calculation is sensitive and can be “falsely” low for several reasons:

1. Dehydration: If you didn’t drink enough water before the test, your creatinine can rise, dropping your eGFR by up to 20%.

2. Recent Exercise: Heavy muscle use or eating a large amount of cooked meat before a blood test can temporarily skew the results.

3. Lab Variation: Small fluctuations in laboratory processing can occur.

Also. The Rule of Three: Diagnosis of CKD typically requires the eGFR to be below 60 for at least three months. Your doctor will likely ask you to repeat the test in a few weeks to see if the number returns to normal.

Understanding the 5 Stages of Kidney Disease

If your eGFR remains stable at 59 over several months, it is classified as follows:

How Concerned Should You Be?

Concern should relate to two factors: Age and Trend.

1. The Importance of Age

Kidney function naturally declines as we get older.

• An eGFR of 59 in a 30-year-old is a significant concern that requires investigation.

• An eGFR of 59 in an 85-year-old may actually be considered “normal for their age” and is unlikely to cause health problems during their lifetime.

2. The Rate of Decline

The “number” matters less than the “trend.”

• Stable CKD: If your eGFR stays at 59 for ten years, your kidneys are doing a great job of maintaining function.

• Progressive CKD: If your eGFR was 80 last year and is 59 this year, that “drop” is what doctors worry about, as it suggests an active process that needs to be stopped.

What Happens Next?

At Stage 3A (eGFR 59), you generally do not need to see a Nephrologist (specialist). Your GP can manage this by:

• Blood Pressure Control: Keeping BP below 130/80 is the best way to protect your kidneys.

• Urine Test: Checking for protein (ACR test) to see if the kidneys are “leaking.”

• Medication Review: Avoiding “NSAIDs” (like Ibuprofen or Naproxen), which can be hard on the kidneys.

Summary

Is an eGFR of 59 a concern? It depends on your age, and only if it keeps falling.

1. Repeat the test to rule out dehydration.

2. Monitor the trend over months, not days.

3. Focus on blood pressure and a healthy lifestyle to keep the number stable.