Creatinine 1.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 1.8 mg /dl means, what are its causes and how to calculate your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate based on the GFR, as well its implications on your kidney health. We also answer the question about whether a Creatinine level of 1.8 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-01T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.140+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 1.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 1.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 1.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 1.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 1.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally created in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is produced constantly at a steady rate. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by the amount of muscle we have - the more muscle, the higher the levels. Additionally, it tends to be higher in men compared to women, and lower during pregnancy. Essentially, serum creatinine serves as a measure of muscle mass and can vary depending on our gender and whether we are expecting a baby.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to fast for a few hours, which means not eating or drinking anything except water. This is because certain foods and medications can affect the creatinine levels in your blood. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from your arm using a needle. The blood will then be sent to a laboratory, where it will be analyzed. In the lab, the sample will be processed using a special machine that measures the amount of creatinine present in your blood. This information is then used by your doctor to assess your kidney function or to monitor the effects of certain medications on your body.
What does a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl mean in men?
If your creatinine level is 1.8 mg/dl, it is considered slightly high. This could be because you have recently taken certain medications or had dye used for scans. Using herbal medicines or taking too many vitamins could also be the cause. It's important to keep a close eye on your creatinine levels by getting them checked weekly and consulting a doctor for advice.3,4
Is creatinine 1.8 dangerous?
A creatinine of may be dangerous depending on your gender and age. The tables below highlight the likelihood of a creatinine of being dangerous for different age groups in both men and women. We provide the following tables, based on the estimated GFR corresponding to the value of creatinine.
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 1.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 1.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 29 yrs | significantly high, but not dangerous, needs attention |
| 29yrs - 95 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 1.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 1.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 49 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
| 49yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl normal?
The normal range for creatinine in men is 0.73 to 1.18 mg/dl, and in women it is 0.55 to 1.02 mg/dl2. Based on these ranges, a creatinine level of 1.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 1.8?
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can lead to higher creatinine levels as the kidneys retain more water to compensate.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys are unable to function properly, leading to an accumulation of creatinine in the blood.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract can impede the normal flow of urine, causing creatinine to build up in the body.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys, such as pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation and impair kidney function, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) can lead to decreased kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Acute tubular necrosis: Damage to the tubules in the kidneys, often caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow, can result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Muscle breakdown: Conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers break down rapidly, release large amounts of creatinine into the bloodstream.
- High-protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can cause the body to produce more creatinine, leading to higher levels in the blood.
- Certain medications: Some medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can affect kidney function and increase creatinine levels.
- Tumor lysis syndrome: This occurs when cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing large amounts of creatinine and other substances into the bloodstream.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 1.8?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important for evaluating kidney function as creatinine levels are influenced by electrolyte imbalances. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction and help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine. This test provides crucial information for diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important as it helps to assess kidney function by measuring the level of urea nitrogen in the blood. An elevated creatinine level, like 1.8 mg/dl, indicates impaired kidney function, but the Blood Urea test provides additional information about the overall health of the kidneys and their ability to filter waste products from the body. It is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases or conditions.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important for assessing kidney function as it estimates the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute. A creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dl suggests decreased kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measure of kidney function, helping in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease. It is crucial for determining the stage of kidney disease and guiding appropriate treatment interventions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it provides an estimate of a person's average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It can help determine if someone has diabetes or is at risk of developing it. With a creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dl, the HbA1c test can provide valuable information about the person's long-term blood glucose control and the need for further diabetes management.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the kidneys. An increased LDH level can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, providing crucial information for diagnosing and managing the underlying condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate a person's blood sugar level at any given time, providing an immediate snapshot of their glucose control. This is crucial in individuals with a creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl as it can indicate impaired kidney function, which may affect glucose metabolism and require adjustments in diabetes management. Monitoring random sugar levels allows for timely interventions and personalized treatment plans to maintain optimal blood sugar control.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance synthesized consistently within the body, undergoes complete filtration by the kidneys into urine. When the kidney's functionality diminishes due to various factors, creatinine levels experience an increase. Consequently, assessing creatinine levels serves as a valuable means to evaluate kidney performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 1.8?
Glomerular Filtration Rate or GFR is the rate at which a given volume of blood is cleared of any substance every unit of time. This basically is a measure of the filtration capacity of the kidney. Even a small reduction in GFR can have consequences in patients who already have comorbidities. The GFR is calculated from the level of creatinine in the blood using a variety of equations like the MDRD equation given as follows : GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) = 175 × (Scr)-1.154 × (Age)-0.203 × (0.742 if female) × (1.212 if African American). Using this formula the value of GFR can be calculated just by knowing the level of creatinine in the blood.
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 1.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 1.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 49.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 48.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 36.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 48.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 47.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 47.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 35.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 46.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 46.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 46.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 45.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 34.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 45.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 45.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 44.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 44.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 33.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 44.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 43.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 43.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 43.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 43.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 32.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 42.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 42.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 42.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 42.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 42.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 41.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 31.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 41.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 41.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 41.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 41.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 40.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 40.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 40.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 40.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 40.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 39.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 39.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 39.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 39.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 39.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 39.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 39.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 38.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 38.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 38.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 38.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 38.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 38.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 38.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 38.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 37.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 37.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 37.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 37.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 37.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 37.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 37.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 37.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 37.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 36.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 36.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 36.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 36.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 36.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 36.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 36.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 36.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 36.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 36.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 36.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 35.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 35.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 35.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 35.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 35.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 35.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 35.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 35.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 35.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 35.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
References
Authorotative articles on serum creatinine
Recommended Tests
The following tests are recommeded as additional investigations for a creatinine of 1.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
