How does the rheumatologist watch for kidney issue? my Rheumotologist does NOT do UA's just blood work. should she be doing UAs and how do I know if my kidneys are being affected if UA's are not done?
Your blood work alone will alert to any malfunctions with your kidneys. A UA only needs to be done once a year or so if you do not have an active problem and that can be done by your PCP. I have advanced kidney disease and only on occasion have a UA but my bloodwork is monitored several times a year.
thanks!
I get both blood and urine studies done every three months to monitor my kidney function as well as other stuff. I’m on rituxan (chemo drug) and it can cause bladder cancer so I’m monitored closely for that. I also have kidney stones so they keep an eye on particulate matter. My kidneys are borderline, I dump way too much protein and blood cells but we’re attempting dietary changes as well as the rituxan to keep it from getting worse. I think it depends on what kind of issue you’re having with your kidneys. Prior to the protein dumping I was monitored every 6 to 12 months wirh labs. Johns Hopkins Lupus center website has awesome info about what lab tests are for what and what the results mean. Hope it helps.
The three tests in blood work that monitor kidney function are BUN,Creatine, and GFR
You can have an elevated GFR, it is measured using your age and Creatine level. GFR is the Global Filtration Rate of your kidneys., Creatine and BUN levels in your blood work will be elevated if you have extreme kidney failure, this is when is used to monitor kidney dialysis patients. In the hospital we look at the BUN and Creatine levels more than the GFR. Diuretics can cause the numbers to elevated also. High protein in your urine is tested to see if it is elevated to monitor also kidney disease. If you are concerned of having kidney disease the first thing is to modify your diet. You should not go on high protein diets, you need less protein to protect your kidneys
Your rheuma would need a valid excuse to check kidney function. I had to much protein in the urine so they did a biopsy and now i have lupus in the kidney, i would talk to your doctor if you have concerns
My rheumy always did blood work and a UA. I was recently in the hospital for pneumonia and found my lupus if effecting my kidneys I see her again the 4th of next month. You can always request a UA when you see your rheumy or your primary care dr can do one when you see them. I no some insurances will not cover it without a elevated bun or creatine unless they are checking for a uti.
Hi!, yes!..Beverly L.