Creatinine 2.9 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 2.9 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 2.9 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-04T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.487+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 2.9 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 2.9 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 2.9 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.9 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.9?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.9?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.9?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 2.9?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our body naturally produces as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It's like a leftover product that gets released into our bloodstream. Interestingly, our body makes it at a steady pace, so it's always being produced. The amount of serum creatinine we have can vary from person to person because it depends on how much muscle we have. Generally, men tend to have higher levels than women, and during pregnancy, the levels are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that doctors use to measure the level of a substance called creatinine in your blood. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating certain foods or taking certain medications to get accurate results. When you go to the lab for the test, a healthcare professional will gently insert a small needle into your vein to draw a small amount of blood. 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.
What does a creatinine of 2.9 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If your creatinine level is 2.9 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to consult a doctor right away, especially a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. They will review any new medications you are taking as they may be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking medications called steroids to suppress your immune system. You may also receive fluids through a vein to make sure you stay hydrated. Other possible reasons for the increase in creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 2.9 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If the creatinine value is 2.9 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. It is important to review any new medications you have started because they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking immunosuppressive medications like steroids. You may also need to receive fluids through an IV to make sure you stay hydrated. Other possible causes for the elevated creatinine could be advanced kidney damage due to diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 2.9 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 2.9 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 2.9 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 2.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 2.9 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 2.9 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 2.9?
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to elevated creatinine levels as the kidneys try to conserve water by reducing urine output.
- Chronic kidney disease: The kidneys may not be functioning properly, leading to a buildup of creatinine in the blood.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys can cause a rapid increase in creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract can hinder the normal flow of urine and result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys can cause inflammation and impair their ability to filter waste, leading to elevated creatinine.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can affect kidney function and result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Muscle damage: Extensive muscle breakdown, such as in rhabdomyolysis, can release creatinine into the bloodstream, causing an increase in levels.
- Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump effectively, it can cause reduced blood flow to the kidneys and lead to elevated creatinine.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste properly.
- High protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can increase creatinine levels as it is a byproduct of muscle metabolism.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 2.9?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this scenario as it helps evaluate the balance of important chemicals in the blood, including sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the cause of the high creatinine level. Monitoring these electrolytes can help guide treatment and prevent further complications.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver. Elevated levels of urea nitrogen can indicate impaired kidney function, which may be the underlying cause of the high creatinine level. Therefore, the blood urea test helps in assessing kidney function and diagnosing potential kidney problems.
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 the rate at which waste products are filtered from the blood. A creatinine level of 2.9 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the estimated GFR can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney damage and help guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it provides information about a person's average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It can help determine if the high creatinine level is due to poorly controlled diabetes, as elevated blood glucose can damage the kidneys. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it helps assess kidney function. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, which can be a potential cause of the high creatinine level. Therefore, the LDH test can provide additional information to aid in diagnosing and managing the underlying condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to diabetes. Elevated levels of creatinine can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can be caused by diabetes. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can provide valuable information about the patient's blood sugar levels and help guide further evaluation and management.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized in the body at a consistent pace, gets entirely expelled from the system through urine filtration by the kidney. In the unfortunate event of kidney impairment, for diverse causes, creatinine levels experience an elevation. Thus, creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to assess the efficiency of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 2.9?
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 2.9?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 2.9
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 28.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 21.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 28.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 27.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 27.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 27.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 27.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 26.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 26.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 26.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 26.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 26.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 25.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 25.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 25.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 25.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 25.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 25.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 24.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 24.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 24.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 24.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 24.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 24.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 24.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 23.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 23.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 23.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 23.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 23.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 23.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 23.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 23.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 23.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 23.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 22.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 22.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 22.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 22.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 22.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 22.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 22.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 22.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 22.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 22.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 22.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 22.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 22.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 21.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 21.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 21.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 21.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 21.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 21.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 21.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 21.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 21.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 21.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 21.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 21.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 21.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 21.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 21.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 21.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 20.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 82 yrs | Male : 20.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 83 yrs | Male : 20.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 84 yrs | Male : 20.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 85 yrs | Male : 20.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 86 yrs | Male : 20.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 87 yrs | Male : 20.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 88 yrs | Male : 20.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 89 yrs | Male : 20.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 90 yrs | Male : 20.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 91 yrs | Male : 20.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 92 yrs | Male : 20.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 93 yrs | Male : 20.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 94 yrs | Male : 20.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 95 yrs | Male : 20.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.08 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 2.9
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
