Creatinine 2.2 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 2.2 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 2.2 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-02T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.267+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 2.2 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 2.2 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 2.2 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.2 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.2?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.2?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.2?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 2.2?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies produce as a result of creatine phosphate in our muscles. It's kind of like a byproduct that is made all the time at a steady pace. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have. So, usually, men tend to have higher levels than women because they typically have more muscle. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are generally lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure that helps doctors check how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect the results. When you arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to a lab, where the creatinine concentration will be measured to determine if your kidneys are working properly.
What does a creatinine of 2.2 mg/dl mean in men?
A creatinine level of 2.2 mg/dl is considered mild. This can happen if you have recently taken certain medications or had scans with dye. It can also be caused by herbal medicines or taking too many vitamins. Your creatinine levels should be checked regularly, and it's important to talk to a doctor about it.3,4
What does a creatinine of 2.2 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If the creatinine value is 2.2 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to consult a doctor immediately. A kidney specialist called a nephrologist should be seen. The doctor will review any new medications that have been started as they may be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking medicine that suppresses the immune system, like steroids. You may also need to receive fluids through a vein to make sure you stay hydrated. Other possible causes of the high creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 2.2 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 2.2 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 68 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
| 68yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 2.2 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.2 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 2.2 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.2?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function caused by various factors such as dehydration, severe infection, medication side effects, or obstruction of the urinary tract.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys leading to reduced function and impaired filtration of waste products from the blood.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys and impaired filtration.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or tumors, can prevent normal urine flow and cause an increase in creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some drugs, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys, can impair their function and result in higher creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited condition characterized by the growth of multiple cysts in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Tubular necrosis: Damage to the tubules in the kidneys, often caused by ischemia or toxic substances, can interfere with the filtration process and increase creatinine levels.
- Acromegaly: A hormonal disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone production, which can lead to kidney enlargement and impaired renal function.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland can contribute to kidney dysfunction and elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.2?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case as it helps determine the levels of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which could be a possible cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment decisions and ensure proper kidney function.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the breakdown of proteins. High levels of urea nitrogen can indicate kidney dysfunction or impaired kidney function, which could be the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring the Blood Urea levels alongside creatinine can provide a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function and help diagnose and manage kidney diseases.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 2.2 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of the severity of kidney dysfunction and help guide appropriate treatment decisions. It is a valuable tool in monitoring kidney health and preventing further damage.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a better understanding of a person's long-term blood sugar control. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, which can contribute to kidney damage and impaired kidney function. Monitoring HbA1c levels can aid in managing and preventing further kidney complications in individuals with high creatinine levels.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario as it helps evaluate kidney function and determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to kidney damage or other factors. LDH is an enzyme found in many organs, including the kidneys, and increased levels may suggest renal injury. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information in assessing the cause of the high creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it measures the glucose levels in the blood at any given time, helping identify if the patient has diabetes or is at risk for developing it. High creatinine levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can be a complication of diabetes. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can help assess the patient's overall kidney function and determine the appropriate management for their condition.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized consistently within the body, is promptly expelled from the system through the urine thanks to the kidney's diligent filtration process. However, when the kidney's efficiency is compromised for various reasons, the levels of creatinine surge. Consequently, creatinine serves as an invaluable means of assessing the kidney's functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.2?
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 2.2?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 2.2
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 39.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 29.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 38.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 38.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 37.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 28.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 37.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 37.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 36.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 36.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 27.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 36.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 36.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 35.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 35.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 35.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 35.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 26.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 34.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 34.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 34.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 34.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 34.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 33.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 33.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 33.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 33.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 33.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 32.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 32.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 32.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 32.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 32.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 32.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 32.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 31.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 31.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 31.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 31.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 31.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 31.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 31.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 31.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 31.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 30.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 30.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 30.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 30.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 30.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 30.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 30.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 30.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 30.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 29.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 29.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 29.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 29.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 29.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 29.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 29.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 29.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 29.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 29.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 29.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 29.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 28.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 28.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 28.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 28.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 28.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 28.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 28.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 28.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 28.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 28.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 28.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 28.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 28.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 28.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 28.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 27.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.74 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 2.2
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
