Compare and contrast the renal function of the following two patients: 1) A frail, 81-year-old woman who weighs 52 kg with a serum creatinine of 109 µmol/L and an eGFR that has bee... Compare and contrast the renal function of the following two patients: 1) A frail, 81-year-old woman who weighs 52 kg with a serum creatinine of 109 µmol/L and an eGFR that has been calculated as 44 mL/min/1.73m 2) A muscular, 24-year-old man who weighs 89 kg with a serum creatinine of 104 µmol/L and an eGFR that has been calculated as >60 mL/min/1.73m a) What is the purpose of estimating GFR? b) Explain why these patients have similar serum creatinine concentrations, but very different renal function?
Understand the Problem
The question presents a case study involving two patients with different characteristics (age, weight, muscle mass) but similar serum creatinine levels. It asks to compare and contrast their renal function, explain the purpose of estimating GFR (glomerular filtration rate), and explain the discrepancy between similar creatinine levels and differing renal function.
Answer
A) To assess kidney function and detect kidney disease. B) Differences in muscle mass and age affect creatinine levels and GFR.
A) Estimating GFR helps assess kidney function and detect kidney disease. B) The woman has a lower muscle mass resulting in lower creatinine production. The man has higher muscle mass resulting in higher creatinine production. GFR declines with age.
Answer for screen readers
A) Estimating GFR helps assess kidney function and detect kidney disease. B) The woman has a lower muscle mass resulting in lower creatinine production. The man has higher muscle mass resulting in higher creatinine production. GFR declines with age.
More Information
eGFR is affected by factors such as age, sex, race, and body size.
Tips
Remember to consider muscle mass and age when interpreting serum creatinine and eGFR values.
Sources
- Glomerular filtration in the aging population - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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