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How high can creatinine go. Highest Recorded Serum Creatinine – A Remarkable Case Report

What is the highest recorded serum creatinine level? What are the factors that can contribute to extremely high creatinine levels? How can such high creatinine levels impact a patient’s health and require urgent medical attention?

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Creatinine: A Key Marker of Kidney Function

Creatinine is a waste product generated from the breakdown of creatine, a compound found in muscle tissue. It is a commonly used laboratory test to assess kidney function, as it is freely filtered by the glomeruli and its levels in the blood reflect the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Higher levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are unable to efficiently filter and excrete this waste product.

Reporting the Highest Recorded Serum Creatinine

In a case report published in the journal Case Reports in Nephrology, the authors presented the highest recorded serum creatinine level of 73.8 mg/dL in a 23-year-old male patient with a history of a pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT). The patient had experienced multiple episodes of acute rejection and had been non-compliant with his immunosuppressive medication regimen, leading to the acute renal allograft failure and a life-threatening creatinine level.

Factors Contributing to Extremely High Creatinine

Extremely high creatinine levels, such as the one reported in this case, can be the result of several factors, including:

  • Severe acute kidney injury or end-stage renal disease
  • Disruption of the normal creatinine production and clearance mechanisms
  • Muscle wasting or loss of muscle mass
  • Dehydration or volume depletion
  • Medication non-compliance or interactions

Implications of Remarkably High Creatinine Levels

The reported creatinine level of 73.8 mg/dL is an exceptionally high value, reflecting the patient’s severe renal dysfunction and uremia. Such high creatinine levels can lead to a range of life-threatening complications, including:

  • Fluid and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis)
  • Neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, altered mental status)
  • Cardiovascular complications (e.g., hypertension, heart rhythm disturbances)
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, poor appetite)

In the reported case, the patient required immediate initiation of emergent hemodialysis to help correct the severe metabolic derangements and prevent further complications.

Importance of Medication Adherence and Monitoring

The case highlights the critical importance of medication adherence and regular monitoring of renal function, especially in high-risk patients such as those with a history of kidney transplantation. Non-compliance with immunosuppressive medications can lead to acute rejection and rapid deterioration of kidney function, as seen in this patient.

Conclusion

The reported case of a 23-year-old male with a serum creatinine level of 73.8 mg/dL represents the highest known creatinine level documented in the literature. This remarkable finding underscores the severe consequences of acute renal allograft failure and the need for vigilant monitoring and adherence to immunosuppressive regimens in transplant recipients.

Key Takeaways

The key takeaways from this case report are:

  • Serum creatinine is a widely used marker of kidney function, and extremely high levels can indicate life-threatening renal dysfunction.
  • The reported creatinine level of 73.8 mg/dL is the highest known value recorded in the literature, highlighting the remarkable nature of this case.
  • Factors contributing to such high creatinine levels include severe acute kidney injury, muscle wasting, and non-compliance with medications.
  • Patients with extremely elevated creatinine levels require urgent medical attention and management, including dialysis, to address the underlying metabolic derangements and prevent further complications.
  • Adherence to immunosuppressive medications and regular monitoring of renal function are crucial in high-risk patients, such as those with a history of kidney transplantation.

Highest Recorded Serum Creatinine – PMC

  • Journal List
  • Case Rep Nephrol
  • v.2021; 2021
  • PMC8531789

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Case Rep Nephrol. 2021; 2021: 6048919.

Published online 2021 Oct 14. doi: 10.1155/2021/6048919

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Serum creatinine is a commonly used laboratory marker to assess kidney function; however, there has not been an established level of serum creatinine to predict mortality. After extensive literature review, we present a case of the highest recorded serum creatinine of 73.8 mg/dL in a 23-year-old male with the history of pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT). He initially presented with uremia and signs of acute renal allograft failure after two months of immunosuppressive medication nonadherence, ultimately requiring emergent hemodialysis, which was complicated by new onset seizures. This was the patient’s fourth episode of late acute rejection and emphasizes the need for education of immunosuppressant adherence and periodic monitoring of renal function in high-risk patients. Though there is no known creatinine level incompatible with life, this patient appears to have the highest known serum creatinine in a uremic patient on record.

Serum creatinine is a commonly used laboratory measurement to gauge renal function in clinical practice. Creatinine is a byproduct of the metabolism of creatine in skeletal muscle and dietary meat intake [1]. It is freely filtered across the glomerulus, and there is additional creatinine secretion in the proximal tubule of the nephron via organic cation secretory pathways [2]. Therefore, serum creatinine is a reflection of glomerular filtration rate, creatinine secretion in the renal tubule, creatine intake, and baseline skeletal muscle mass. Creatinine is also known to vary by gender and race, with average values of 1.14 mg/dL in men and 0.93 mg/dL in women in the United States [3]. The previously highest serum creatinine reported was 53 mg/dL [4]. In current clinical practice, there remains uncertainty regarding the role of serum creatinine and mortality, specifically in the context of the degree of creatinine elevation. We present a case of acute renal allograft rejection with the highest serum creatinine reported in previous literature.

We report a 23-year-old African American male with a medical history of pediatric DDRT secondary to left-sided dysplastic kidney and right-sided obstructive uropathy. He presented to the emergency department with a one-week history of decreasing urine output, increased shortness of breath, generalized weakness, and nausea. He initially received his DDKT in 2010, which has been complicated by multiple episodes of both acute T cell-mediated and acute antibody-mediated rejection. The patient admitted to a two-month history of immunosuppressive medication nonadherence with tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone.

Physical examination revealed a young male, in no distress, weighing 142 pounds. He had a blood pressure of 153/102 mmHg and a heart rate of 77 beats/min. Exam findings are as follows: pale conjunctiva, lungs clear to auscultation, regular heart rate and rhythm, active bowel sounds, no abdominal tenderness, and no focal neurological deficit. Admission labs included a serum creatinine of 64.6 mg/dL (0.67–1.17 mg/dL) with a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 212 mg/dL (6–20 mg/dL), which increased to a serum creatinine of 73.8 mg/dL and BUN of 244 mg/dL prior to initiation of emergent dialysis. Serum chemistry included sodium 137 mmol/L (136–145 mmol/L), potassium 6.0 mmol/L (3.5–5.1 mmol/L), chloride 98 mmol/L (98–107 mmol/L), total carbon dioxide 7 mmol/L (22–29 mmol/L), glucose 68 mg/dL (74–106 mg/dL), and phosphorus 14.7 mg/dL (2.7–4.5 mg/dL).

The patient was initiated on emergent dialysis via a temporary dialysis catheter. Dialysis was complicated by new onset of seizures, initially thought to be secondary to dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed showing right temporal spikes epileptiform discharges with intermittent slow waves lateralized to the right hemisphere. Patient was thought to have epilepsy with initial seizure exacerbation secondary to severe metabolic derangements in setting of acute renal failure and severe azotemia. He was initiated on daily levetiracetam with resolution of seizures.

Patient received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) while in the intensive care unit. After stabilization of his acute medical issues, a tunneled dialysis catheter was placed in his right internal jugular vein prior to discharge. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with renal allograft failure secondary to medication nonadherence and was discharged home on intermittent hemodialysis with improvement in serum creatinine to 23.8 mg/dL and BUN of 76 mg/dL at time of discharge, after completion of four hemodialysis sessions.

This case demonstrated a record high serum creatinine of 73.8 mg/dL based on our review of previous literature [4–7]. Currently, there is not a known effect of creatinine levels on human physiology or survivability [5]. Even with its inherent limitations, previous studies have explored the relationship between increased serum creatinine and mortality. In a prospective population-based study of people >65 years old, 11.2% of the population had an elevated serum creatinine (>1.5 mg/dL in men and >1.3 mg/dL in women) which was associated with a higher overall mortality (76.7 vs. 29.5/1000 years) [8]. In a retrospective study of hospitalized patients, very low serum creatinine admission value of <0. 4 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased mortality, exceeding the risk related to a creatinine value of >1.5 mg/dL [9].

This patient had elevated creatinine secondary to acute renal allograft rejection. Acute allograft rejection is a functional deterioration of the allograft caused by specific pathologic changes due to recipient’s immune system recognizing nonself-antigens from the allograft [10]. Typically, such rejection leads to subsequent rise in serum creatinine indicating substantial histological damages without significant symptom manifestation [11]. The long-term function of a renal allograft is associated significantly with acute rejection episodes, especially late acute rejections [12]. Late acute rejections occur greater than 3 months after transplant, and this case represented the patient’s fourth episode of such. In a previous historical cohort study, the late acute rejection group was shown to have the highest amount of graft loss when compared to the no rejection and early acute rejection groups [12]. This patient was ultimately diagnosed with renal allograft failure and remained dialysis dependent after discharge.

Our patient showed minimal symptoms initially, likely related more to azotemia and metabolic derangements rather than the elevated serum creatinine level. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms typically do not manifest until KDIGO CKD stages IV and V [13]. Chronic kidney disease is commonly detected by routine urine testing and labs, as it initially can present asymptomatically [13]. This case demonstrates the importance of periodic lab evaluation to assess kidney function in high-risk renal patients and the need for counseling on the importance of medication adherence. There is no known creatinine incompatible with life, and this patient appears to have the highest survivable serum creatinine recorded in the medical literature.

The views expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Articles from Case Reports in Nephrology are provided here courtesy of Hindawi Limited


Creatinine blood test Information | Mount Sinai

Serum creatinine; Kidney function – creatinine; Renal function – creatinine





The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working.

Creatinine can also be measured with a urine test.





























A measurement of the serum creatinine level is often used to evaluate kidney function. Urine creatinine levels can be used as a screening test to evaluate kidney function, or can be part of the creatinine clearance test.


How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.












How to Prepare for the Test

The health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines that can affect the test. These medicines include:

  • Cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine
  • Certain antibiotics, such as cefoxitin and trimethoprim

Tell your provider about all the medicines you take.












How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.












Why the Test is Performed

Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine. Creatine is a chemical made by the body and is used to supply energy mainly to muscles.

This test is done to see how well your kidneys work. Creatinine is removed from the body entirely by the kidneys. If kidney function is not normal, the creatinine level in your blood will increase. This is because less creatinine is excreted through your urine.












Normal Results

A normal result is 0. 7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L) for men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L) for women.

Women often have a lower creatinine level than men. This is because women often have less muscle mass than men. Creatinine level varies based on a person’s size and muscle mass.

The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.












What Abnormal Results Mean

A higher than normal level may be due to:

  • Blocked urinary tract
  • Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or failure, infection, or reduced blood flow
  • Loss of body fluid (dehydration)
  • Muscle problems, such as breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Problems during pregnancy, such as seizures caused by eclampsia or high blood pressure caused by preeclampsia

A lower than normal level may be due to:

  • Conditions involving the muscles and nerves that lead to decreased muscle mass
  • Malnutrition

There are many other conditions for which the test may be ordered, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or medicine overdose. Your provider will tell you more, if needed.












Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)










Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.

Oh MS, Briefel G, Pincus MR. Evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15.

Last reviewed on: 7/21/2021

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


what does this mean, norms and causes of increased rates

What is creatinine?

Creatinine is a chemical compound in the human body, which is formed during the breakdown of protein molecules. The substance is part of the residual nitrogen. The beginning of the chain is creatine, a component that moves throughout the body, starting from the renal parenchyma.

The methylation process takes place in the liver. After that, creatine enters the muscles, where it is converted to creatine phosphate. The latter enters the myofibrils and decomposes into phosphate and creatinine. Muscles receive energy for contraction. The rest goes into the blood. In the liver, creatinine is not converted and is easily excreted in the urine. Energy turnover is constantly happening. In a healthy body, the amount of a substance is always stable.

Creatinine in Moscow

from 1 cal. days

from 229 ₽

Daily urine creatinine in Moscow

from 1 cal. days

from 249 ₽

Coronavirus, RNA (SARS-CoV-2, PCR) smear, quality in Moscow

from 1 cal. days

from 999 ₽

Depending on the health of the kidneys and the state of the muscles, the level of creatinine changes. A decrease in this substance in the blood is required with increased breakdown of muscle tissue. This happens in the case of kidney failure, when it becomes difficult for the body to remove toxic substances.

A person can detect a deviation of creatinine from the norm independently according to the specific signs of the body. For example, kidney pathology leads to a change in the color of urine. It acquires a cloudy color, a brown tint or a shade of coffee grounds. The patient begins to go to the toilet less often, the volume of urine decreases. A typical symptom is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and swelling of the face and extremities.

When urinating, it hurts a person, he feels pain. Pain when the situation worsens may appear in the hypochondrium or in the lumbar region. People get tired quickly, when they wake up they immediately feel weak, appetite decreases, attention is disturbed, it is difficult to concentrate on one thing. Insomnia appears, blood pressure either goes down or goes up. Infectious lesions of the kidneys are accompanied by fever.

Creatinine norm

The norm of creatinine depends entirely on the level of accumulation of muscle mass in the body. The indicator is usually denoted in microcol / l. Normative values ​​are not the same throughout life. In men with good health, the rate is always higher than that of women. In general, for children and adults, the following standard indicators can be compiled, measured in µmol / l:

  • in women under 60 years old – 53-97, over 60 years old – 53-106;
  • in men under 60 years old – 80-115, over 60 years old – 71-115;
  • in children in the newborn state – 27-88, up to 1 year – 18-35, from one year to 10 years – 27-62 and from 10 to 18 years – 44-88.

The required amount of a substance is calculated based on the total mass of a person, the level of his physical endurance, activity in everyday life. What causes the fact that the norm of creatinine in a blood test for men, women and children is significantly different.

Gender, weight, age of the patient are mandatory criteria for evaluation. This makes it possible to classify a biochemical blood test for creatinine as an exclusively primary diagnostic method. It is noted that the criterion is characterized by a greater degree of sensitivity to kidney pathologies than urea.

It should be understood that creatinine can decrease not only against the background of pathological problems. Strong physical overstrain or overwork will certainly affect the analysis. This includes the delivery of creatinine after several days of feasting, where predominantly meat food prevailed and there was a lot of alcohol.

If there has been a state of dehydration, leading to thickening of the blood, then the creatinine level temporarily increases. Many drugs, if taken uncontrollably, can have a toxic effect on the urinary organs.

Indications for creatinine testing

Creatinine analysis helps to evaluate the filtration function of the kidneys. It is also prescribed for severe injuries and diagnosed diseases of varying degrees of course. It also allows you to evaluate the efficiency of renal filtration of small molecules and to diagnose the glomerular filtration rate. The main indications are:

  • known renal insufficiency or suspected disease;
  • different degrees of kidney disease, including pyelonephritis, polycystic disease, urolithiasis, glomerulonephritis;
  • burns and injuries;
  • muscle atrophy;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • problems with the cardiovascular system;
  • acute inflammation;
  • sepsis;
  • recovery period after surgical interventions.

Preparing for a creatinine test

Biochemical analysis is carried out with a certain preparation. Firstly, it is done on an empty stomach and always in the morning. The day before the analysis, the last time they eat is no later than 20 pm. And in one day it is important to comply with the following conditions:

  • do not stress and get enough sleep;
  • do not overwork physically and do not do complex exercises, such as push-ups with dumbbells;
  • avoid overheating, including sauna visits;
  • do not drink alcoholic beverages;
  • do not eat fatty foods and try to eat less meat;
  • avoid spicy and salty foods;
  • do not smoke 2 hours before the analysis.

Incorrect sampling of biomaterial can lead to unreliable results. This leads to the destruction of red blood cells. Their contents are released. The result is a distorted biochemical composition of the blood. In this case, a retest is simply necessary.

False positive results can occur in the presence of a large amount of muscle mass. If a weightlifter passes the diagnosis, then this fact should be taken into account. The result is affected by diabetes mellitus in the patient’s history, against which the concentration of simple sugars, acetone and urea increases. With muscle damage, as well as against the background of taking medications such as barbiturates or aminoglycoside antibiotics, creatinine readings are distorted.

Elevated creatinine

A person is in energy exchange throughout his life. A slight deviation of creatinine from the norm is not considered a problem. But if this excess is significant and is observed regularly, then there are definitely problems.

An increase in creatinine is indicated by weakness, drowsiness and loss of strength. You may feel dizzy and have a nausea reflex. Breathing quickens, a person does not get fresh air. These are indirect signs of kidney failure with a high level of creatinine in the blood. May indicate inflammation and destruction in the muscular system, infectious diseases leading to kidney damage.

What does elevated creatinine indicate?

Elevated creatinine in human blood can be associated with two reasons: physiological or pathological. The first option is associated with a large amount of muscle mass as a result of intense physical exercise. Such cases occur among people who do a lot and often do wrestling, powerlifting and bodybuilding.

Those who cannot imagine life without meat are also prone to increased creatinine levels. In many cases, the uncontrolled use of drugs leads to the need to reduce the creatinine level. It is especially dangerous to use tetracycline antibiotics, cephalosporins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without the advice of a doctor.

Elevated creatinine can also speak of pathological disorders in the body. For example, an increase in the rate is often observed in case of kidney diseases in the acute and chronic stages, as well as in violation of the patency of the urinary tract. The kidneys can suffer due to impaired blood supply, which sooner or later leads to serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Radiation sickness or oncological diseases can lead to constant jumps in creatinine. Septic shock, burns of varying severity, as well as diagnosed endocrine pathologies can cause changes in the indicator.

Causes of elevated creatinine

The main reason for the increase in the indicator is its increased production or poor excretion process from the body. This phenomenon is typical when diagnosing the following pathologies:

  • liver problems, including inflammation, toxic poisoning and cirrhosis;
  • necrosis of internal organs due to damage to cells and tissues;
  • renal insufficiency;
  • increased level of the thyroid gland;
  • muscle and bone lesions;
  • second and third degree burns;
  • vascular lesions in the kidneys;
  • complication after diabetes mellitus;
  • weakness of the muscular system;
  • diseases of the pulmonary system;
  • fever;
  • drug poisoning, manifested by toxic effects on the kidneys.

Fasting, pregnancy and long-term treatment with corticosteroids can cause temporary phenomena of an increase in the indicator.

How to lower blood creatinine?

It is almost impossible to lower the blood count on your own. This is due to the fact that one cannot do without passing certain tests and consulting with a specialist. It is important to adhere to competent treatment and limit nutrition in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor. During the diagnosis, a serious pathology may be revealed, without the treatment of which it is impossible to adjust the level of creatinine in the blood.

If a patient’s creatinine is elevated as a result of improper and unbalanced nutrition, then in order to restore the indicator, it is necessary to abandon the use of a number of products. These include primarily fatty meats and fish, smoked and spicy foods, dairy products, cheeses, salt, sugar, and strong drinks such as coffee and black tea.

The food should contain a minimum of protein and salt. Try to eat foods that contain antioxidants. These include cabbage, beans, walnuts, pistachios, strawberries, oranges, tangerines, eggplants. Drink at least a liter of pure water per day. Specialists can prescribe a course of taking special drugs that will help to cope with the problem quickly and efficiently.

It should be temporarily canceled toxic drugs and anabolic hormones. In case of kidney failure or in case of serious injury, special treatment is prescribed. It is important to restore the patency of the renal tubules and normalize blood flow. The damaged surface will close faster and the shock will pass. Thyrotoxicosis requires drugs that suppress excessive thyroid function.

If, after the measures taken, the indicators do not give a positive trend and a return to normal is not expected, then it is necessary to adjust the approach to treatment. Perhaps the connection of fasting days is required to reduce the load on the organs and urinary systems.

Creatinine decreased

When an amino acid is used by the body for energy, part of it is consumed according to needs. The remaining creatinine remains as waste. Decreased creatinine is often seen in vegetarians and pregnant women. In the first case, the problem is the lack of animal products, leading to protein deficiency in the body, and consequently, to muscle weakness with subsequent atrophy. During the bearing of a child, a physiological mechanism takes place, during which the total volume of blood increases. In many older people, this figure goes down, but should not cause concern.

Causes of low creatinine

It can be concluded that a reduced level of creatinine is observed in the following cases:

  • For low muscle mass. The share of muscles may decrease against the background of a sharp weight loss. For example, during illness or due to age.
  • In diseases of the liver. If the liver is not healthy, then it cannot fully produce creatinine. Chronic disease of this organ can provoke a 50% shortage of creatinine. It is easy to detect this with a simple blood test.
  • Long diets. Creatinine is mostly produced naturally, but some part comes with the food you eat. If a person abruptly stops eating as before, for example, switches to a vegetarian diet, then the level of creatinine decreases rapidly.
  • During childbearing. The baby also needs a lot of strength and energy for development. Mommy’s body divides all the reserves into two. Therefore, in her body, you can often fix the level of decrease in creatinine. After childbirth, this indicator quickly returns to normal.

Severe weakness and the inability to perform the simplest physical exercises can indicate a low level of creatinine. With problems with the liver, the patient notices discomfort in the upper abdomen, he is sick and shivering. With a diet, weakness is accompanied by dizziness, weight quickly falls.

norms, causes of increase and methods of analysis

Contents

  • 1 Creatinine in the blood and urine: what is it, how to determine and what do the test results show?
    • 1. 1 Blood and urine creatinine: what is it and why is it measured?
    • 1.2 Definition and functions of creatinine
    • 1.3 How to check the level of creatinine?
    • 1.4 Blood and urine creatinine levels
    • 1.5 Causes of high blood and urine creatinine levels
    • 1.6 Symptoms of high creatinine levels
    • 1.7 Effect of diet on creatinine levels
    • 1.8 Method s processing creatinine tests
    • 1.9 How to reduce creatinine levels in blood and urine?
    • 1.10 Factors affecting blood and urine creatinine
    • 1.11 Conclusions on blood and urine creatinine
    • 1.12 Related videos:
    • 1.13 Q&A:
      • 9 0184
      • 1.13.0.1 What is creatinine?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the norms for creatinine in blood and urine?
      • 1.13.0.3 What does it mean if my blood creatinine is high?
      • 1.13.0.4 Does diet affect blood creatinine levels?
      • 1.13.0.5 What methods of creatinine analysis are used in practice?
      • 1. 13.0.6 How can blood creatinine levels be reduced?

Find out what creatinine is in blood and urine, how it is tested, what high and low levels mean, and what diseases can cause changes in the level of this substance in the body.

Creatinine is a metabolite that is formed in human muscles as a result of the synthesis of creatine, which is a source of energy for cells. Creatinine is constantly excreted from the body in the urine and is an important indicator of kidney function. Creatinine in the blood and urine is one of the main indicators of the health of the body.

With an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood and a decrease in its excretion in the urine, there is a risk of developing serious diseases of the kidneys, as well as the cardiovascular system. Elevated creatinine levels are most often indicative of impaired renal function and can serve as a diagnostic criterion for various diseases of the renal system, such as chronic renal failure.

Blood and urine creatinine is analyzed in the laboratory to assess kidney function and detect elevated levels. Such an analysis can be extremely important if there is a suspicion of a violation of the functionality of the organs of the urinary system. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment and reveal the factors that affect the level of creatinine in the body.

Blood and urine creatinine: what is it and why is it measured?

Creatinine is a substance formed in the muscles and especially actively released into the blood during their work. The transportability of creatine across cell membranes is practically zero, so its amount in the blood is a reliable indicator of the functioning of the kidneys and the rate of blood filtration through them.

Creatinine is measured in blood and urine. In the blood, its concentration should be stable and suggest the state of kidney function. In the urine, the amount of creatinine is measured to understand how efficiently the kidneys work and excrete excess substances into the urine. Norms of creatinine level depend on gender, age and physical parameters of a person, as well as the level of physical activity. The most accurate way to measure it is to do a blood and urine test.

  • Important to know: Elevated creatinine levels can be a sign not only of kidney disease, but also of other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, myopathy and cancer. Therefore, when conducting tests, it is important to take into account all factors and consult a doctor if creatinine levels are above normal.
  • There is also another way to assess kidney function – GFR: filtration rate of the glomerular system of the kidneys. This blood test provides a more accurate picture of kidney function than just measuring creatinine levels.

Definition and functions of creatinine

Creatinine is a by-product of creatine metabolism, a substance involved in energy metabolism in muscles. Creatinine is formed in the muscles and enters the bloodstream, where it is removed from the body through the kidneys.

Creatinine test method is one of the first indicators determined in the general analysis of urine and blood. In a general analysis of urine, creatinine allows you to detect impaired renal function. In the blood, its level reflects the work of the kidneys as a whole.

Normal blood creatinine levels range from 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dl in men and 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dl in women. Donor urine creatinine levels should be less than 0.8 mg/dL.

How can I check my creatinine level?

To test the level of creatinine in the blood and urine, you must contact the laboratory of a medical institution. To obtain the reliability of the results of the analysis, it is necessary to follow a number of recommendations.

Before testing, you must:

  1. Eliminate alcohol intake 24 hours before the test
  2. Avoid physical activity 24 hours before the test
  3. Pass urine and blood for creatinine in the morning on an empty stomach

To test for creatinine, you need to pass a urine and blood test. Analysis results can be obtained within a few days.

If the creatinine level is elevated, you can consult a nephrologist to order additional tests and determine the reasons for the increase.

Blood and urine creatinine levels

Blood creatinine is an important indicator of kidney function. The normal value for adult women is 53 to 97 µmol/L, and for men it is 70 to 115 µmol/L.

It is important to remember that laboratories may use different methods and standards for measuring creatinine, so rates may vary slightly depending on where the test is performed.

Causes of increased creatinine levels in the blood and urine

Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood and urine can be due to various causes, including kidney problems, muscle mass problems, and even certain medications.

One of the main causes of elevated creatinine is kidney disorders such as chronic kidney failure and acute kidney injury. In kidney failure, creatinine is not excreted from the body, which leads to its accumulation in the blood and urine.

Also, elevated creatinine levels may be associated with more muscle mass. During muscle activity, creatinine is produced in the muscles and excreted from the body through the kidneys. With a large amount of muscle mass, the level of creatinine may be higher than normal.

Some medicines can also increase blood creatinine levels. This is especially true for drugs that affect kidney function, such as certain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs.

Symptoms of high creatinine

Creatinine is a substance that is produced in the muscles and then released into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine. The level of creatinine in the blood helps determine how well the kidneys are functioning. If the creatinine level is elevated, this may indicate a problem with the kidneys, as they cannot effectively remove creatinine from the body.

High creatinine levels can lead to various symptoms, including:

  • back pain;
  • frequent urination;
  • obesity;
  • increased cardiac tension;
  • insomnia;
  • poor appetite;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • weakness and fatigue;
  • puffiness;
  • changes in urine color and smell.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor and have a blood and urine test to check your creatinine level.

Effect of diet on creatinine levels

Creatinine is a product of creatine metabolism in skeletal muscle. The level of creatinine in the blood and urine can be increased in various diseases, as well as when taking certain medications.

It should be noted that some diets, such as low carbohydrate diets, may also cause an increase in creatinine levels due to weight loss and loss of muscle mass.

  • To regulate blood creatinine levels, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet that includes the optimal amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins.
  • It is also important to drink enough water to maintain normal kidney function.

In case of elevated levels of creatinine in the blood and urine, it is recommended to consult a doctor for diagnosis and prescribing the necessary treatment.

Methods for processing creatinine analyzes

Various methods of analysis are used to determine the level of creatinine in blood and urine. One of the most common methods is a biochemical analysis of blood and urine. For this, a sample of blood or urine is taken, which is then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

Another method is the rapid test, which allows you to quickly determine the level of creatinine in the blood and urine. For the test, you must use special test strips and reagents.

Several methods are also used to monitor urinary creatinine levels, such as microalbuminuria and the IMG test. Microalbuminuria is commonly used to check the protein level of albumin in the urine, and the IMG test is based on the assessment of the concentration of creatinine in the urine and pectoral muscle.

It is important to note that the accuracy of the results of these methods depends on the qualifications of the laboratory staff and the condition of the equipment. Therefore, when prescribing tests, it is necessary to contact professionals who can choose the right method and process the results of the study.

How to lower blood and urine creatinine levels?

High levels of creatinine in the blood and urine are a sign of impaired kidney function. Therefore, the main task in the case of an increase in the level of creatinine is to restore the normal functioning of the kidneys.

To do this, you need to follow a special diet that will reduce the burden on the kidneys. The diet should be enriched with potassium, magnesium, calcium, but poor in proteins and fats. It is also recommended to include magnesium-containing foods (oatmeal, buckwheat, chocolate, mineral water) in the diet.

Some medicines can help control elevated creatinine levels. These can be drugs aimed at improving kidney function, as well as drugs containing potassium citrate.

Despite the fact that some folk remedies can also help in the fight against elevated creatinine levels, it is important not to neglect a visit to the doctor and the advice of a specialist who will determine the cause of impaired kidney function and prescribe a comprehensive treatment.

Factors affecting blood and urine creatinine levels

Blood and urine creatinine levels can be influenced by many factors. One of them is the individual physiological characteristics of the organism. Creatinine levels may vary depending on age, sex, body weight, level of physical activity, and the presence or absence of pregnancy.

Another factor that can affect creatinine levels is the presence of kidney disease. If the kidneys cannot completely clear the blood of creatinine, then the level of creatinine in the blood will be increased. Thus, an elevated creatinine level may indicate various kidney diseases, including chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis, and others.

Blood creatinine levels may also increase with certain medications. In particular, some antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, and anticancer drugs can increase blood creatinine levels. Therefore, when conducting tests for creatinine, it is necessary to clarify information about taking any medications.

A person’s diet can also affect creatinine test results. If the creatine stores in the body are less, then the creatinine level will be lower. Therefore, when testing for creatinine, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding diet and fluid intake.

Summary of blood and urine creatinine

Blood and urine creatinine is an important indicator of kidney function. The level of creatinine in the blood measures how well the kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products of metabolism. At the same time, the level of creatinine in the urine shows the efficiency of removing creatinine from the blood through the kidneys.

Normative values ​​of creatinine in the blood and urine depend on the age and sex of the person. There is a possibility of age-related changes in creatinine levels, with higher levels of creatinine in the blood may indicate problems with kidney function.

Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood and urine may be associated with various diseases and conditions. For example, elevated blood creatinine may be a sign of chronic kidney failure, and elevated urine creatinine may be an indicator of impaired kidney function or urinary tract infection.

Blood and urine creatinine analysis requires appropriate preparation for the analysis. For example, before taking the test, it is necessary to limit the intake of protein foods, exclude physical activity and the intake of certain medications that can distort the results of the analysis.

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Q&A:

What is creatinine?

Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine that is produced in the muscles of our body. Creatinine exits the blood through the kidneys and is excreted in the urine.

What are the norms of creatinine in the blood and urine?

Norms of creatinine in the blood depend on gender, age and physical activity of a person. In men, the norm of creatinine in the blood is from 0.74 to 1.35 mg / ml, in women – from 0.59 to 1.04 mg / ml. Norms of creatinine in the urine – in men from 1.75 to 8.75 mmol / day, in women – from 0.9up to 6.9 mmol/day.

What does it mean if my blood creatinine is high?

Elevated blood creatinine may mean you have problems with your kidneys or muscle metabolism. High creatinine levels may also be related to medications taken.

Does diet affect blood creatinine levels?

Yes, diet can affect blood creatinine levels. Eating a large amount of protein foods can lead to elevated creatinine levels. Regular consumption of red meat and high protein foods can increase blood creatinine levels.

What methods of creatinine analysis are used in practice?

Usually creatinine is tested in blood and urine. Blood creatinine analysis requires venous blood. Analysis of creatinine in urine is carried out on the basis of daily urine. There is also a rapid test that allows you to quickly determine the level of creatinine in the blood.