Creatinine 3.2 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.2 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 3.2 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-04T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.581+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.2 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.2?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.2?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.2?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.2?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies make as a result of the energy source called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is made at a steady pace, meaning our bodies produce it consistently. The amount of serum creatinine we have in our blood depends on how much muscle we have, so it tends to be higher in men compared to women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements we are taking, as some of them might affect the test results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from our arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a lab, where they measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles. The lab will provide the doctor with the results, which can help in diagnosing kidney problems or monitoring the effectiveness of certain treatments.
What does a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If a woman's creatinine level is 3.2 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to see a doctor right away for consultation. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. Any new medications that have been started should be reviewed as they may be causing the high creatinine level. Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs like steroids may be necessary. It may also be necessary to receive fluids through a vein to make sure you are well hydrated. Other possible causes of high creatinine levels can include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.2 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You might need to have dialysis to help your kidneys, and a small sample of your kidney might need to be taken to figure out the reason for the high creatinine. If it is determined that your immune system is causing the problem, you may need medicine to suppress it. You will also need fluids given to you through a vein. Other possible causes for the high creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.2 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 3.2 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.2 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 56 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 56yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.2 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 3.2 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.2?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden decrease in kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, medication side effects, or urinary tract obstruction.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys leading to reduced function and impaired filtration.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste products.
- High blood pressure: Prolonged hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their filtration capacity.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, can lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) can impair their function and result in elevated creatinine.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to progressive decline in kidney function.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tubules can impair their ability to filter waste products.
- Drug-induced nephrotoxicity: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys can reduce their filtration capacity and result in increased creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.2?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps to assess the balance of essential minerals in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction or other medical conditions that may have contributed to the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing the underlying cause of the high creatinine.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which reflects the function of the kidneys in removing waste products. In conjunction with the creatinine level, it helps assess kidney function and determine the severity of kidney disease. A high blood urea level indicates impaired kidney function and may suggest the need for further evaluation and treatment.
Estimated GFR
The estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. In the case of a creatinine level of 3.2 mg/dl, the estimated GFR test can help determine the severity of kidney dysfunction and guide appropriate treatment decisions. Monitoring estimated GFR over time can also help track the progression of kidney disease and inform interventions to slow its progression.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months, providing a more accurate picture of long-term blood sugar control. This test is especially crucial for individuals with a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl, as it helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, ensuring appropriate management and preventing complications associated with high blood sugar levels. Regular HbA1c testing is essential in maintaining optimal health for individuals with impaired kidney function.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it helps determine the level of tissue damage or injury, including kidney damage. High levels of LDH can indicate renal impairment, which may explain the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring LDH levels can provide additional information about the severity and progression of kidney dysfunction.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine the blood glucose level at any given time, which is essential in evaluating the patient's diabetic status. A high random sugar level could suggest uncontrolled diabetes, which may contribute to kidney dysfunction and elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels are crucial in preventing further kidney damage.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical naturally generated within the body, maintains a steady production rate. The kidneys diligently extract all creatinine, leaving none behind in the urine. However, if the kidney's performance is compromised for various reasons, creatinine levels escalate. Consequently, measuring creatinine becomes an invaluable means of assessing kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.2?
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 3.2?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.2
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 25.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 25.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 24.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 24.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 24.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 24.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 23.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 23.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 23.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 23.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 23.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 23.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 22.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 22.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 22.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 22.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 22.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 22.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 22.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 21.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 21.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 21.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 21.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 21.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 21.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 21.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 21.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 21.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 21.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 20.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 20.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 20.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 20.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 20.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 20.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 20.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 20.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 20.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 20.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 20.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 20.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 19.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 19.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 19.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 19.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 19.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 19.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 19.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 19.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 19.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 19.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 19.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 19.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 19.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 19.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 19.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 19.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 19.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 18.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 18.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 18.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 18.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 18.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 18.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 18.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 18.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 18.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 18.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 18.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 18.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 18.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 18.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 18.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 18.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 18.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 18.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 18.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 18.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.46 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 3.2
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
