Mums blood test results

[Shatteredandhormonal]

Mum is 78 and has been suffering from a really bad mental health crisis. She has been taking Mirtazapine and Sertraline for last 5 weeks. Her psychiatrist wanted to get her sodium results checked as the meds could alter her levels. GP surgery called today to ask her to repeat bloods again as results are abnormal. This has sent her into absolute panic. It looks like her kidney function is abnormal. Her dad died of kidney failure so she is literally shaking and unable to calm down despite the meds. Here are her results Urea and electrolytes
Serum sodium level 136 mmol/L [133.0 - 146.0]
Serum potassium level 5.2 mmol/L [3.5 - 5.3]
Serum creatinine level 98 umol/L [45.0 - 84.0]; Above high reference limit
eGFR using creatinine (CKD-EPI) per 1.73 square metres 48 mL/min [> 60.0]; eGFR has been calculated using the CKD-EPI creatinine equation. Pleas
e note that adjustment for race is no longer recommended by NICE.(NICE
Guidance NG 203); Below low reference limit
She is having another blood test taken this week. Her blood test 18 months ago had a eGFR reading of 59. Does this look like her kidneys are starting to fail? I’m so worried .

I would word it as yes, her kidney test does show some concern and needs looking into further.

The first step is certainly just to repeat it as it is a test that can show variation day-to-day. Her next one might be significantly better.

I would reassure that she is a very long way from needing anything scary like dialysis (which is where I think a lot of people’s minds go if they hear their kidneys are not working properly).

That there are various strategies that can help kidneys ( staying well hydrated, avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, eating a healthy diet low in salt and processed foods) and then there are medications that can also protect the kidneys.

I would take a blood test at this level as being a caution, but certainly not a disaster.

Her eGFR isn't great, and definitely could indicate kidney issues. However, if she's having a mental health crisis is she taking care of herself physically? As being dehydrated can knock it down a bit too. I'd make sure she's well hydrated before the next test to get an accurate picture.