Creatinine 2.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 2.5 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 2.5 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-03T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.362+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 2.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 2.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. It is constantly produced by our body at a stable rate. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on the amount of muscle we have - generally, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. So, basically, serum creatinine is a marker in our blood that tells us about our muscle mass, with men usually having more of it and levels dropping during pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test helps doctors check how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it's important to let your doctor know about any medications you're taking, as some can affect the results. On the day of the test, you might be asked to fast for a few hours, or avoid certain foods and drinks. Once you're at the lab, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of your blood using a needle. Don't worry, it's quick and usually doesn't hurt much! The blood sample is then sent to a special machine in the lab that measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. The higher the creatinine level, the more likely it is that your kidneys might not be working as well as they should. Remember, this test helps your doctor keep an eye on your kidney health and make necessary adjustments to your treatment if needed.
What does a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If the creatinine level is 2.5 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor right away, especially a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. It's important to review any new medications you have started, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment options may include taking immunosuppressive medications like steroids and receiving fluids through an IV to stay properly hydrated. Other potential causes for the high creatinine levels could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. A creatinine value of 2.5 mg/dl is considered moderate. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately, especially a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. The doctor will review any new medications you have been taking, as they may be causing the increase in creatinine. You may need treatment with immune-suppressing drugs like steroids, and you might also receive fluids through an IV to ensure you are well hydrated. Other possible causes of the elevated creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 2.5 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 2.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 33 yrs | bad, needs attention, could be dangerous, Consult a doctor |
| 33yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 2.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.5 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 2.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.5?
- Dehydration: Dehydration can cause an increase in creatinine levels as it leads to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in impaired kidney function.
- Kidney infection: Infections of the kidneys, such as pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidney tissues, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Kidney stones: Obstruction caused by kidney stones can hinder the normal flow of urine, leading to kidney damage and increased creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as from an enlarged prostate or tumors, can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI refers to a sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by factors like severe infections, medication side effects, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
- Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys. This condition can impair kidney function, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction and increased creatinine levels.
- Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or vasculitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs, can cause kidney damage and elevate creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important for evaluating the electrolyte balance in the body, which can be affected by kidney function. In this case, a creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, and the Serum Electrolytes test can help assess the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which may be out of balance in kidney disease. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and preventing complications associated with kidney dysfunction.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which can help assess kidney function. In combination with the creatinine test, it provides valuable information about the efficiency of waste removal from the body. A high blood urea level along with an elevated creatinine level may indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring how efficiently they filter waste products from the blood. This value is particularly important for individuals with a creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dl as it helps determine the stage of kidney disease and guides appropriate treatment decisions. Estimating GFR can also help identify other underlying health conditions and monitor the progression of kidney disease over time.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in patients with a creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl because it provides information about long-term blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. As creatinine levels increase, there is a higher risk of kidney damage, which can affect the accuracy of other blood glucose tests. Therefore, HbA1c test becomes crucial for monitoring and managing diabetes in these patients.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to kidney dysfunction or if there is another underlying cause. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as hemolysis, tissue injury, or liver disease, which may affect kidney function. Therefore, the LDH test can provide additional information to guide further diagnostic evaluation and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The random sugar test is important because it helps assess the patient's blood glucose level at any given time, which can provide valuable information about their overall glycemic control. In the case of a creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dl, a random sugar test can help determine if the patient has impaired kidney function, as high blood sugar levels can contribute to kidney damage. Additionally, it can help identify if the patient has undiagnosed diabetes or if their current diabetes management plan needs adjustment.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body, maintains a steady production rate. The kidney, acting as a proficient filter, effectively eliminates creatinine from the urine. However, in instances where kidney functionality becomes compromised, creatinine levels experience an elevation. Consequently, creatinine serves as an immensely valuable measure for assessing the kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.5?
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 2.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 2.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 33.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 25.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 33.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 33.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 32.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 32.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 24.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 32.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 31.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 31.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 31.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 31.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 23.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 30.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 30.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 30.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 30.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 30.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 29.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 29.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 29.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 29.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 29.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 29.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 28.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 28.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 28.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 28.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 28.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 28.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 28.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 27.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 27.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 27.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 27.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 27.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 27.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 27.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 27.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 27.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 26.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 26.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 26.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 26.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 26.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 26.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 26.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 26.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 26.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 26.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 26.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 25.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 25.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 25.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 25.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 25.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 25.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 25.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 25.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 25.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 25.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 25.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 25.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 25.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 25.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 24.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 24.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 24.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 24.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 24.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 24.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 24.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 24.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 24.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 24.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 24.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 24.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 24.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 24.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 24.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 24.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.9 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 2.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
