Creatinine 2.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 2.8 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 2.8 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-03T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.456+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 2.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 2.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It's kind of like a leftover byproduct that our body creates when it uses this creatine phosphate. The interesting thing is that our body produces it at a constant rate, meaning it's always being made. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have, which is why men usually have more of it than women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the level of serum creatinine tends to be lower.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 blood. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect the results. On the day of the test, you will need to fast for a few hours, meaning you should not eat or drink anything except water. When you arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will clean your arm and insert a small needle to draw a sample of your blood. This may cause a slight pinch or discomfort, but it is generally quick and tolerable. The blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will use special machines to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. Typically, you will receive the results within a day or two, and your doctor will explain what they mean for your health.
What does a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If the creatinine level is 2.8 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to seek immediate advice from a doctor. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. It is important to review any new medications you may have started, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking immunosuppressive drugs like steroids. In some cases, you may need to receive fluids through an IV to make sure you are properly hydrated. Other possible causes of the elevated creatinine levels could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55 to 1.02. If the creatinine level is 2.8 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to see a doctor right away even though the creatinine level is not critically high. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. It is important to review any new medications you have started, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking immunosuppressive drugs like steroids. You may also need to receive fluids through a vein to make sure you are properly hydrated. Other possible causes for the high creatinine level could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 2.8 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 2.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 2.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.8 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 2.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.8?
- Dehydration: Lack of adequate fluid intake can cause the creatinine level to rise.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys are not functioning properly, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage or injury to the kidneys can result in increased creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone, can cause creatinine levels to rise.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics, can affect kidney function and elevate creatinine levels.
- Dietary factors: Consuming excessive amounts of protein or creatine supplements can increase creatinine levels.
- Muscle damage: Conditions that cause muscle breakdown, such as rhabdomyolysis, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Infection: Severe infections, especially involving the kidneys, can result in higher creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune conditions, like lupus or vasculitis, can affect kidney function and cause increased creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.8?
Serum Electrolytes
A creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, which can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. The Serum Electrolytes test measures the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Monitoring these electrolyte levels is essential for managing and treating kidney dysfunction and preventing complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it helps evaluate kidney function. Creatinine and blood urea levels are both indicators of kidney health, and a high creatinine level can suggest impaired kidney function. By measuring blood urea levels alongside creatinine, healthcare professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of kidney function and make appropriate treatment decisions.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute. A creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, but the eGFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of the impairment and help guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, providing information about long-term diabetes control. In this case, if the creatinine level is elevated at 2.8 mg/dl, it suggests possible kidney damage, which is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, the HbA1c test can help assess diabetes management and identify the need for interventions to prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this scenario because it helps to identify any tissue damage or injury within the body. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, which may be contributing to the high creatinine level. Therefore, the LDH test can provide additional information about the underlying cause of the increased creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps in evaluating the individual's blood glucose levels at any given time, providing valuable information about their overall glucose control. This test is crucial in assessing the presence of diabetes or monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes management, as high creatinine levels can be indicative of kidney dysfunction, a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, random sugar testing helps identify hypoglycemia, which can cause symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and seizures.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance generated consistently within the body, undergoes full eradication through the renal system. However, when the kidney's ability to perform its duties is compromised, the levels of creatinine experience an elevation. Consequently, creatinine proves to be an invaluable tool in evaluating the proficiency of kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.8?
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 2.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 2.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 29.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 22.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 29.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 29.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 28.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 28.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 28.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 27.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 27.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 27.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 27.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 27.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 26.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 26.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 26.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 26.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 26.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 26.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 25.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 25.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 25.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 25.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 25.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 25.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 25.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 24.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 24.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 24.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 24.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 24.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 24.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 24.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 24.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 24.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 24.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 23.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 23.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 23.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 23.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 23.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 23.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 23.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 23.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 23.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 23.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 23.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 23.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 22.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 22.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 22.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 22.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 22.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 22.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 22.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 22.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 22.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 22.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 22.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 22.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 22.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 22.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 22.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 21.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 21.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 21.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 21.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 21.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 21.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 21.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 21.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 21.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 21.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 21.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 21.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 21.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 21.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 21.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 21.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.7 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 2.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
