Creatinine 3.4 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.4 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 3.4 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-05T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.643+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.4 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.4 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.4 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.4 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.4?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.4?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.4?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.4?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. Think of it as a leftover product after our muscles have used up their energy. The interesting thing about serum creatinine is that it is produced at a steady pace, so the amount in our blood can tell us something about our overall muscle activity. Since men tend to have more muscle mass than women, it's normal for them to have slightly higher levels of serum creatinine. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower because the body is busy with other important tasks.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess kidney function. Before the test, you may be asked to fast for a few hours and avoid certain medications that could affect the results. When you arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will gently clean your arm and insert a small needle to draw a blood sample. This sample will then be sent to the lab, where specialized machines will measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. This information will help your doctor understand how well your kidneys are working.
What does a creatinine of 3.4 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If the creatinine level is 3.4 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended to see a doctor right away, especially a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. The doctor will review any new medications you have started, as they may be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment may involve taking immunosuppressive drugs like steroids and receiving fluids through an IV to stay hydrated. Other possible causes of high creatinine levels include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.4 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is at 3.4 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away. There, they may need to admit you and possibly perform dialysis to help with your high creatinine level. They might also need to do a small biopsy on your kidney to find out the cause. If it is determined that the cause is related to your immune system, you may need to take medications to suppress your immune response. Additionally, you will likely need to receive fluids through an IV. Other possible causes for your high creatinine level could be advanced kidney damage caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.4 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 3.4 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.4 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 40 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 40yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.4 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 3.4 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.4?
If the patient's creatinine level is above 1.02, here is a list of 10 possible causes for this elevated level:
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys can result in reduced kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden kidney damage or failure can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can cause a temporary increase in creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract can impair kidney function and lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary system can cause inflammation and affect kidney function, resulting in increased creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys over time and contribute to elevated creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Chronic hypertension can lead to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and certain antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and increase creatinine levels.
- Muscle damage: Extensive muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, can release creatinine into the bloodstream and raise its levels.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or vasculitis can affect kidney function and result in elevated creatinine levels.
However, if the patient's creatinine level is below 1.02, it is within the normal limits.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.4?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess the balance of important ions such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which could be contributing to the elevated creatinine level. Additionally, imbalances in electrolytes can have serious consequences on various body functions, making this test crucial for monitoring overall health.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. In the case of a high creatinine level of 3.4 mg/dl, the blood urea test can help determine if the elevated creatinine is due to impaired kidney function or other factors. It provides valuable information in assessing renal function and diagnosing conditions such as kidney disease or dehydration.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is crucial in assessing kidney function, especially in patients with a creatinine level of 3.4 mg/dl. The test helps determine the rate at which the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood, providing valuable information about kidney health. With a higher creatinine level, a low Estimated GFR would indicate a significant decline in kidney function and the need for further evaluation and possible intervention.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for individuals with a creatinine level of 3.4 mg/dl as it measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. This test helps in monitoring long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, allowing for timely interventions to manage or prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels. Additionally, it provides valuable information to healthcare professionals for adjusting treatment plans and assessing the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it helps assess kidney function by measuring the levels of LDH enzymes released into the bloodstream. Elevated LDH levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired kidney function, which can be associated with a high creatinine level. Monitoring LDH levels can aid in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases or conditions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate a person's blood glucose levels at any given time, providing valuable information about their overall blood sugar control. Since high creatinine levels can be indicative of kidney dysfunction, this test can help identify if elevated blood sugar levels are due to diabetes or impaired kidney function. Additionally, it can aid in diagnosing conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized uniformly within the body, undergoes complete filtration in the kidneys, eventually being excreted via urine. In the event of compromised renal function, for various causes, there is an elevation in creatinine levels. Thus, creatinine serves as a highly effective means of examining kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.4?
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 3.4?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.4
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 23.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 23.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 23.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 22.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 22.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 22.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 22.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 22.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 22.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 21.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 21.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 21.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 21.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 21.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 21.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 20.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 20.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 20.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 20.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 20.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 20.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 20.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 20.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 20.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 19.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 19.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 19.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 19.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 19.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 19.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 19.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 19.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 19.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 19.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 19.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 18.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 18.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 18.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 18.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 18.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 18.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 18.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 18.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 18.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 18.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 18.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 18.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 18.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 18.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 18.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 18.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 18.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 17.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 17.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 17.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 17.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 17.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 17.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 17.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 17.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 17.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 17.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 17.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 17.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 17.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 17.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 17.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 17.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 17.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 17.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 17.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 17.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 16.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 16.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 16.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.55 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 3.4
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
