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What Are The Effects Of Steroids On Kidneys?

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Question: Hello,
I've been getting steroid (epidural) injections -- two of them in the past two months. During that time, my gfr has decreased from 46 to 38. My first question is whether this is now fourth stage CKD and second, have the steroid injections likely had an effect on this?

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach the reports

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The effect of the steroids on kidneys depends on the kidney condition.

I would be enlightened about the same if I could have a look on the lab results.

Kindly attach the recent lab reports here, I shall after seeing them present my opinion.

Waiting for your response,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (3 hours later)

Hmm…And I thought steroids were steroids and CKD is CKD. As to the condition, I've only been told by the nephrologist that I have 3rd stage (and now I suspect 4th stage) CKD likely caused by my lengthy NSAID use. Silly me, I thought that was the diagnosis. As for the most recent lab report, I only have a paper copy and since there's no way for me to sort of stuff it through the cables, I'll just have to wait for my doctor appointment next month to get my answer. What I can tell you about the lab report is it's a CMP and the only value that's not in the normal range is the GFR, which is 38. If none of this helps you, I'll just wait.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (41 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GFR less than 30 is stage 4

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

When GFR is below 30 then It is considered to be a Stage 4 disease.

Also there are many other laboratory criteria like serum creatinine, Kidney functioning test by DMSA scan, Serum electrolytes, Blood pressure etc which are needed to stage a kidney disease.

Based on your history and the GFR I believe you are in stage 3 of the disease.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar