Creatinine 3.3 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.3 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 3.3 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-04T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.612+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.3 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.3 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.3 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.3 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.3?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.3?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.3?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.3?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally produced in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is created at a steady pace, meaning the amount of creatinine in our blood remains relatively constant over time. The level of serum creatinine depends on the amount of muscle mass we have, so generally men tend to have higher levels than women. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine usually decrease. In simple terms, serum creatinine is a marker that helps doctors understand how well our kidneys are functioning, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products, including creatinine, from our blood.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors check how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it's important to follow some pretest preparations like avoiding certain medications and fasting for a few hours. When you arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will gently draw a small sample of your blood using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will measure the amount of creatinine present in your blood to determine if your kidneys are working properly.
What does a creatinine of 3.3 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If the creatinine value is 3.3 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to see a doctor right away, particularly a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. The doctor will review any new medications you are taking, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking immunosuppressive drugs like steroids and receiving fluids through an IV to ensure you are properly hydrated. Other potential causes of high creatinine levels include advanced kidney damage from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.3 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.3 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You might need dialysis, which is a treatment to clean your blood, or a small sample taken from your kidney to find out why your creatinine level is so high. If the cause is related to your immune system, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through a vein. Other possible causes of high creatinine levels can be damage to your kidneys from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.3 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 3.3 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.3 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 47 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 47yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.3 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 3.3 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.3?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys caused by an abrupt decrease in kidney function.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys resulting in reduced kidney function over time.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake leading to decreased blood flow to the kidneys and impaired kidney function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors, preventing normal urine flow and causing kidney damage.
- Acute tubular necrosis: Damage to the tubular cells in the kidneys due to conditions like severe infections, low blood pressure, or medication toxicity.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, affecting their ability to remove waste products from the blood.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A kidney disorder characterized by excessive protein loss in urine, resulting in reduced kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition causing the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by drug reactions or autoimmune disorders.
- Hypertensive nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by long-standing high blood pressure, leading to impaired kidney function.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.3?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in assessing kidney function as it measures the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Elevated creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function, and the electrolyte levels can help determine the extent of kidney dysfunction and guide appropriate treatment. Abnormal electrolyte levels can further impact fluid balance, acid-base balance, and overall organ function.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. A high creatinine level, like 3.3 mg/dl, suggests impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps confirm this by measuring the buildup of waste products in the blood. This test is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it helps assess kidney function by estimating the rate at which the kidneys filter waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 3.3 mg/dl suggests significant impairment in kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measure of the extent of impairment and helps guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this scenario as it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, indicating the long-term glycemic control. It helps in assessing the risk and management of diabetes, which can affect kidney function. Monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels can prevent further damage to the kidneys and improve overall health.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or injury, including kidney damage, which would be relevant in assessing the severity and underlying cause of the high creatinine. However, further diagnostic tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it can help determine whether the elevated creatinine level is due to impaired kidney function or high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, which can cause an increase in creatinine levels. Identifying and managing high blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent further kidney damage and complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized consistently within the body, undergoes complete eradication through the urinary excretion process facilitated by the kidney. When the kidney's efficacy is hindered, be it due to various factors, the concentration of creatinine escalates. Consequently, creatinine emerges as an exceptionally valuable technique to assess the kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.3?
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 3.3?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.3
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 24.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 24.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 24.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 23.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 23.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 23.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 23.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 22.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 22.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 22.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 22.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 22.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 22.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 21.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 21.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 21.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 21.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 21.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 21.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 21.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 20.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 20.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 20.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 20.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 20.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 20.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 20.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 20.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 20.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 20.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 20.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 19.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 19.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 19.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 19.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 19.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 19.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 19.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 19.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 19.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 19.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 19.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 19.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 19.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 19.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 18.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 18.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 18.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 18.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 18.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 18.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 18.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 18.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 18.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 18.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 18.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 18.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 18.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 18.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 18.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 18.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 18.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 18.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 18.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 17.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 17.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 17.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 17.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 17.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 17.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 17.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 17.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 17.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 17.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 17.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 17.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 17.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.99 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 3.3
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
