Kidney Function in Elderly Females

Age-Specific Context for Kidney Function

The National Kidney Foundation defines a normal range of ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m² for young adults, but this does not account for age-related decline 4, 5, 6, 7
Normal GFR in young adults is approximately 120-130 mL/min/1.73 m² and declines with age, making age-adjusted interpretation essential 3
An eGFR of 85 mL/min/1.73 m² represents excellent kidney function for a 65-year-old woman, as explicitly stated in kidney donor evaluation guidelines 1, 2

The American College of Physicians recommends that an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² represents retention of more than half of normal adult kidney function 3, 8
An eGFR of 85 mL/min/1.73 m² places a patient in Stage 2 CKD (G2) at most, which is defined as GFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m² with evidence of kidney damage, or Stage 1 (normal kidney function) if no markers of kidney damage are present 8
Key thresholds to understand include eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m², and eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m², which are associated with increased risk of complications and mortality 3, 8

An eGFR of 85 mL/min/1.73 m² is far above the risk thresholds for increased mortality and cardiovascular risk, and represents preserved kidney function 1, 2
Albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio >30 mg/g) is the principal marker of kidney damage and increases risk even with preserved eGFR, according to the National Kidney Foundation 1, 3

The National Kidney Foundation recommends monitoring eGFR trajectory over time, as serial measurements are more informative than a single value for risk stratification in elderly patients 4, 5, 6, 7
eGFR equations may underestimate true GFR in elderly patients with normal to moderately reduced function, though this would mean actual function is even better than estimated, as noted by the American Society of Nephrology 4, 5, 6, 7