Creatinine 3.1 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.1 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 3.1 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-04T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.550+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.1 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.1 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.1 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.1 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.1?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.1?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.1?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.1?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance found in our bodies that helps measure kidney function. It is created when our muscles break down a molecule called creatine phosphate. The interesting thing is that our bodies produce serum creatinine at a steady pace, meaning the amount in our blood remains fairly constant. However, the levels of this substance can vary depending on our muscle mass. Generally, men tend to have higher levels compared to women, and during pregnancy, the levels are usually lower. Monitoring serum creatinine helps doctors assess how well our kidneys are working.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure that helps doctors measure the amount of creatinine in your blood. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may 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. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, where they use special equipment to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. The results of this test can help doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 3.1 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.1 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to see a doctor right away for advice. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. The doctor will review any new medications you have started, as they may be causing the increase in creatinine. You might need treatment with medicines that suppress the immune system, like steroids. You may also need to receive fluids through an IV to make sure you stay hydrated. Another possible cause of the high creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.1 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.1 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to see a doctor right away for advice. They may refer you to a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. The doctor will review any new medications you are taking as they could be causing the high creatinine level. You might need treatment with medications that suppress your immune system, like steroids. You might also need to receive fluids through a vein to make sure you are well hydrated. Other possible causes of the high creatinine level could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.1 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 3.1 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.1 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 67 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 67yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.1 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 3.1 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.1?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by dehydration, medication side effects, or a blockage in the urinary tract.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time due to various causes such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Any blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate, can prevent normal urine flow and lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) due to infections, immune disorders, or certain medications.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A disorder that causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine, leading to decreased kidney function.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury or breakdown, releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys.
- Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually resulting from a urinary tract infection that spreads upward into the kidneys.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing numerous cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by certain medications, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, usually due to atherosclerosis, which can impair kidney function.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.1?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the balance of important minerals in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be affected by kidney dysfunction. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate potential complications, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney problems, which can further impact kidney function and overall health. Therefore, monitoring serum electrolytes is crucial in managing and treating patients with elevated creatinine levels.
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 liver during protein metabolism. Elevated levels of blood urea indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting urea from the body. Therefore, in the case of a creatinine level of 3.1 mg/dl, the blood urea test helps to further assess the extent of kidney dysfunction.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning. A creatinine level of 3.1 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney disease and help guide treatment decisions. It is a useful tool in monitoring the progression of kidney disease and determining the need for interventions such as medication adjustments or dialysis.
HBA1C
For a creatinine level of 3.1 mg/dl, the HbA1c test is important as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, indicating long-term glucose control. This test is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as elevated HbA1c levels suggest poor glycemic control and potential complications. Regular HbA1c testing helps healthcare providers evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy plans accordingly.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps assess kidney function. Elevated creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function, and LDH levels can provide additional information on the underlying cause. High LDH levels may suggest kidney damage or inflammation, helping to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the patient's blood glucose level at any given time, which is crucial in managing diabetes. It can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to uncontrolled diabetes or other factors. Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for timely intervention and preventing complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical manufactured within the confines of our bodies, maintains a steady pace. In a remarkable feat, the kidneys eliminate creatinine entirely through the urine. However, when the kidney's efficiency is compromised for any number of reasons, the levels of creatinine soar. Consequently, creatinine serves as an exceptionally beneficial means of assessing the kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.1?
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 3.1?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.1
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 26.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 26.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 25.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 25.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 25.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 25.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 24.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 24.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 24.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 24.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 24.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 23.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 23.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 23.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 23.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 23.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 23.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 23.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 22.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 22.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 22.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 22.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 22.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 22.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 22.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 22.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 22.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 21.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 21.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 21.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 21.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 21.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 21.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 21.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 21.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 21.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 21.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 21.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 20.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 20.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 20.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 20.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 20.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 20.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 20.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 20.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 20.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 20.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 20.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 20.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 20.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 20.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 20.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 19.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 19.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 19.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 19.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 19.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 19.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 19.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 19.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 19.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 19.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 19.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 19.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 19.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 19.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 19.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 19.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 19.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 19.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 19.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 19.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 18.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 18.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 18.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 18.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 18.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
References
Authorotative articles on serum creatinine
Recommended Tests
The following tests are recommeded as additional investigations for a creatinine of 3.1
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
