What does a low GFR indicate?

What does a low GFR indicate?

• A. Decreased kidney function
• B. Increased urine output
• C. Improved function
• D. Increased clearance of toxins

Answer: (A)

A low GFR signals decreased kidney function. GFR is the rate at which the kidneys filter plasma to form filtrate each minute. When this rate drops, the kidneys aren’t filtering blood effectively, so waste products such as creatinine and urea accumulate in the blood and toxin clearance declines. This reduced filtration is how clinicians gauge kidney impairment and progression of chronic kidney disease. It doesn’t inherently mean more urine production—urine output can vary with hydration and other factors—and it certainly doesn’t indicate improved function. Nor does it indicate increased clearance of toxins; with a lower filtration rate, toxin clearance is reduced.

A low GFR signals decreased kidney function. GFR is the rate at which the kidneys filter plasma to form filtrate each minute. When this rate drops, the kidneys aren’t filtering blood effectively, so waste products such as creatinine and urea accumulate in the blood and toxin clearance declines. This reduced filtration is how clinicians gauge kidney impairment and progression of chronic kidney disease. It doesn’t inherently mean more urine production—urine output can vary with hydration and other factors—and it certainly doesn’t indicate improved function. Nor does it indicate increased clearance of toxins; with a lower filtration rate, toxin clearance is reduced.