What is a normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) per age range?

What is a normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) per age range?

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is typically expressed in milliliters per minute (mL/min). Normal GFR values can vary depending on age, gender, body size, and ethnicity. Here's a general overview of normal GFR ranges across different age groups:

1. Infants and young children (up to 2 years old):

Normal GFR range: 30-40 mL/min/1.73 m²

2. Children (2-12 years old):

Normal GFR range: 90-110 mL/min/1.73 m²

3. Adolescents (12-18 years old):

Normal GFR range: 90-120 mL/min/1.73 m²

4. Adults:

- For adults, normal GFR can vary widely, but generally, it is considered to be above 90 mL/min/1.73 m².

- However, GFR tends to decline with age due to a natural decrease in kidney function over time.

5. Elderly:

In individuals over 60 years old, a GFR of 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m² may still be considered within the normal range, but it's important to note that kidney function naturally declines with age, so lower values might be expected.

It's essential to remember that these ranges are general guidelines, and individual variations can occur. Additionally, specific medical conditions, medications, and other factors can influence GFR values. Therefore, any concerns about kidney function should be discussed with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and interpretation of GFR results.