Creatinine 2.1 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 2.1 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 2.1 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-02T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.235+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 2.1 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.1?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.1?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.1?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 2.1?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. It is produced in a steady and predictable manner, so the amount of creatinine in our blood can be used as a measure of how well our kidneys are working. The level of creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have - generally, men tend to have more muscle than women, so their creatinine levels are often higher. However, during pregnancy, the creatinine level tends to be lower, likely because the body is using more of it to support the growing baby.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it's important to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking, as some can affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. Once the blood sample is collected, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the sample is spun at high speed in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates the liquid part of the blood (serum) from the solid components. The serum is then tested to measure the concentration of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. By measuring the creatinine concentration in the blood, doctors can get an idea of how well your kidneys are doing their job. Higher levels of creatinine may indicate kidney dysfunction, while lower levels are usually considered normal. Your doctor will interpret the results of the serum creatinine lab test to determine if any further medical intervention is necessary.
What does a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dl mean in men?
A creatinine value of 2.1 mg/dl is considered mild, meaning it is slightly higher than the normal range. This could be caused by taking certain medications, using dyes during scans, or using herbal medicines or too many vitamins. It's important to monitor your creatinine levels closely, and it is recommended to consult a doctor.3,4
What does a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dl mean in women?
A creatinine value of 2.1 mg/dl is considered mild and may be caused by recent use of certain medicines, dyes for scans, herbal medicines, or excessive vitamin intake. It is important to monitor creatinine levels closely on a weekly basis and consult with a doctor.3,4
Is creatinine 2.1 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 2.1 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 88 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
| 88yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 2.1 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.1 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 2.1 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.1?
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can cause the creatinine level to rise.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys can lead to an elevation in creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract can interfere with normal kidney function and result in increased creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys, often caused by trauma or certain medications, can cause creatinine levels to rise.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term kidney damage and reduced kidney function can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, resulting in higher creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Prolonged hypertension can contribute to kidney damage and subsequent elevation of creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can cause an increase in creatinine levels.
- Muscle disorders: Certain muscle conditions, such as rhabdomyolysis, can cause muscle breakdown and release of creatinine, leading to higher levels.
- Excessive protein intake: Consuming large amounts of protein can put additional stress on the kidneys and result in elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.1?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case as it helps assess the balance of electrolytes in the body, including sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormalities in these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and treating kidney diseases.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function by measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. An elevated creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, and the Blood Urea test can provide additional information about the overall health of the kidneys and their ability to filter waste products. Monitoring the Blood Urea level alongside creatinine can help clinicians diagnose and manage kidney diseases.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function. A creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measurement of the filtration rate. This helps determine the severity of kidney disease and guides appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glycemic control. This is crucial as a high HbA1c level indicates poor diabetes management, which could potentially contribute to the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring HbA1c levels helps assess the risk of developing kidney disease and guides treatment decisions for better diabetes control.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. An elevated LDH level can indicate tissue damage or destruction, which could be a contributing factor to the impaired kidney function. Additionally, LDH levels can help differentiate between different kidney diseases and guide further diagnostic investigations.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps assess the individual's blood glucose level at any given time, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes. In this case, a creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dl suggests potential kidney dysfunction, and diabetes is a common cause. By measuring the random sugar, healthcare professionals can evaluate the individual's glucose control and determine if further investigations or interventions are necessary.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that emerges within the body consistently, gets entirely sifted through the kidney and expelled via urine. Any impairment to the kidney's operation results in an elevation of creatinine levels. Hence, creatinine serves as a valuable means to assess kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.1?
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 2.1?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 2.1
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 41.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 40.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 40.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 30.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G3b : Moderately to Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 40.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 39.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 39.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 39.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 38.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 38.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 38.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 37.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 37.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 37.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 37.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 36.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 36.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 36.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 36.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 35.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 35.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 35.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 35.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 35.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 34.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 34.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 34.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 34.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 34.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 34.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 34.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 33.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 33.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 33.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 33.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 33.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 33.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 33.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 32.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 32.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 32.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 32.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 32.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 32.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 32.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 32.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 32.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 31.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 31.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 31.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 31.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 31.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 31.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 31.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 31.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 31.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 31.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 31.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 30.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 30.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 30.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 30.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 30.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 30.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 30.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 30.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 30.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 30.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 30.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 30.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 30.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 29.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 29.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 29.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 29.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 29.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 29.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 29.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 29.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.88 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 2.1
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
