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Do individuals need kidney function checks after a UTI?

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Do individuals need kidney function checks after a UTI?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Raja Ramesh

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 15, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 22, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a question about kidney function. I had a urinary tract infection about two years ago. From that period, I am doing blood tests to evaluate the kidney function every 15 days. My urine test is always within normal range, and no protein or glucose has been found. My blood creatinine and urea are also within the normal range. Creatinine goes from 70 to 88, and urea is always steady at 4 to 5. The eGFR last time was 130 using creatinine and cystatin from the blood. My question is, can kidney function degrade so fast? Do I need to check it so often? The doctor that suggested to do checks on a regular basis is not a specialist in urology. He just told me that kidney diseases do not show symptoms until it is too late. I am not diabetic, my blood pressure is normal, and no one in my family has any issues with kidneys. How often should I check my kidney function? Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Raja Ramesh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The frequency with which follow-up is required is based upon the disease you are suffering from. From the statement that you had a urinary tract infection two years ago, I am not able to come to any conclusion regarding the exact disease. Yes, there are some dangerous kidney diseases, some of which are a sequel to a prior infection, that need intensive monitoring. But, even for that, every 15 days is too frequent. Since its been two years now, with all reports being normal, we can reduce the intensity of follow-up required. This being said, I would seriously suggest a follow-up with a urologist, with your previous case reports, regarding further management.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your answer. I do not think that I am suffering from any disease. I just had a urinary tract infection, and there was some increase of leukocytes in the urine, so the doctor said that it is a regular UTI. Everything else was fine, and that it is a good thing to check the kidney function, to be sure there was no damage. Even then my urea and creatinine were in the normal range. Maybe it was not kidney related. Is once a month good for a checkup? And can you tell me what other tests except for urea, creatinine, and regular urine check, should I do? After that UTI, I did a 24-hour urine check and creatinine clearance, and all were within normal range. My eGFR from that test was 160. So can kidney function degrade fast, and is it necessary to do monthly checks if all reports are within normal range?

Answered by Dr. Raja Ramesh

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Checking renal function every month may not be necessary if all are normal at a time when there is no infection. There are certain acute conditions when kidney function deteriorates in a matter of few days. But from your history, I am not sure whether you are suffering from any such condition. I would still suggest you consult a nearby urologist, as he can examine and provide you with the best options regarding further management.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Raja Ramesh
Dr. Raja Ramesh

Urology

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