Creatinine 3.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.5 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 3.5 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-05T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.675+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally created in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is made at a consistent rate, meaning it doesn't change much over time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by the amount of muscle we have – so typically, men have higher levels than women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. In simpler terms, serum creatinine is a compound produced by our muscles that can vary depending on our muscle mass, gender, and whether or not someone is pregnant.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors check how well our kidneys are working. Before the test, it's important to avoid eating certain foods and taking specific medications that could affect the results. During the test, a healthcare professional will gently insert a needle into your arm to draw a small amount of blood. This blood sample is then sent to the lab, where scientists will measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles, in your blood. This measurement helps doctors understand if there are any problems with your kidneys and if further medical attention is needed.
What does a creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.5 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is recommended that you see a doctor right away, especially a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. They will review any new medications you may have started, as they can cause this increase. You may need treatment with medication that lowers your immune system, such as steroids. It may also be necessary for you to receive fluids through an IV to make sure you are properly hydrated. Other possible causes for this increase can be advanced kidney damage due to diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.5 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.5 mg/dl, it is considered very high and severe. It is recommended that you go to the hospital right away, as you may need dialysis and further tests to determine the cause of the high creatinine. If the cause is related to your immune system, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through an IV. Other possible causes of high creatinine include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.5 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 3.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 34 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 34yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.5 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 3.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.5?
- Acute kidney injury: This condition occurs suddenly and leads to a sudden decrease in kidney function.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to a decrease in kidney function and an increase in creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract can impede the normal flow of urine, causing a buildup of creatinine in the blood.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys, known as pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: This condition involves inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, resulting in reduced kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: This condition occurs due to the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a protein called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys and increase creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in evaluating the kidney function as it helps to assess the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormalities in these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment decisions and prevent further complications.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated levels of urea indicate impaired kidney function, which could be the cause of the high creatinine level. Monitoring the Blood Urea levels helps assess the overall kidney health and aids in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is crucial in assessing kidney function and determining the stage of kidney disease. It provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. In the case of a creatinine level of 3.5 mg/dl, the Estimated GFR test helps to categorize the severity of kidney damage and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it helps to assess long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. It provides information about average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This test can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is related to uncontrolled diabetes, which may require further management.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as kidney damage or muscle breakdown, which can provide valuable information about the underlying condition. Thus, the LDH test can aid in diagnosing and monitoring the condition causing the high creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate the patient's blood glucose level at any given time, providing information about their immediate glycemic control. This information is crucial in managing and monitoring diabetes, as high blood glucose levels can contribute to kidney damage and worsen renal function. By assessing the Random Sugar test, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions regarding treatment plans and interventions to prevent further complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body at a consistent pace, is impeccably sieved by the kidney and expelled through urine. Should any affliction impair the kidney's operation, creatinine levels ascend. Hence, assessing the kidney's efficacy, creatinine proves invaluable.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.5?
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 3.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 22.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 22.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 22.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 22.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 22.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 21.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 21.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 21.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 21.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 21.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 20.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 20.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 20.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 20.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 20.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 20.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 20.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 20.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 19.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 19.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 19.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 19.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 19.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 19.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 19.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 19.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 19.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 19.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 18.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 18.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 18.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 18.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 18.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 18.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 18.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 18.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 18.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 18.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 18.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 18.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 18.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 18.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 17.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 17.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 17.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 17.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 17.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 17.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 17.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 17.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 17.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 17.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 17.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 17.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 17.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 17.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 17.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 17.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 16.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 16.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 16.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 16.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 16.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 16.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 16.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 16.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 16.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 16.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 16.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 16.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 16.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 16.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.14 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 3.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
