Creatinine 3.6 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.6 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 3.6 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-05T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.706+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.6 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.6?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.6?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.6?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.6?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally produced in our body as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It serves as a byproduct, kind of like a leftover, once our muscles have used up the energy stored in creatine phosphate. This production occurs at a steady and consistent rate. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by our muscle mass, meaning that people with more muscles tend to have higher levels. Additionally, this level is generally higher in men compared to women, but tends to be lower during pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors understand how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it's important to tell your doctor about any medications you're taking, as certain drugs can affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be taken to the lab, where scientists will measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by our muscles, and the lab test helps determine if our kidneys are able to remove it properly.
What does a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.6 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to consult a doctor right away, even though it is not critically high. You should see 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. You might need treatment with medications that suppress the immune system, like steroids. You may 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
What does a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.6 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is very important that you go to the hospital right away. You might need to have dialysis, which is a treatment to clean your blood, or even a small sample taken from your kidney to find out what is causing the problem. If the cause is an immune system issue, you may need medication to suppress your immune system. You will also need to receive fluids through a vein. Other possible causes of high creatinine levels can be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.6 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 3.6 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.6 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 29 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 29yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.6 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 3.6 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.6?
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake leads to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys can impair their function, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Kidney stones: Obstruction caused by kidney stones can hinder normal kidney function and raise creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as from an enlarged prostate or a tumor, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Chronic kidney disease: The progressive loss of kidney function over time can result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A kidney disorder characterized by abnormal amounts of protein in the urine, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys can impair their ability to filter waste products, causing elevated creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Hypertensive nephrosclerosis: Long-standing high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden and severe damage to the kidneys, often caused by factors such as infection, trauma, or medication, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.6?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important for a creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dl because it helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or other medical conditions that may be contributing to 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 generated 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. Therefore, in the case of a creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dl, the Blood Urea test is crucial in assessing renal function and determining the severity of kidney dysfunction.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is crucial in evaluating kidney function. A creatinine level of 3.6 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. This information helps healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor kidney disease, determine appropriate treatment plans, and assess the overall health of the kidneys.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a long-term view of glycemic control. For a creatinine of 3.6 mg/dl, it can help in assessing the patient's risk for diabetes and monitoring their response to treatment. This test can guide healthcare professionals in making appropriate management decisions to prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it helps determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to kidney dysfunction or other causes. LDH is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the kidneys, and high levels may indicate kidney damage. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps to evaluate the patient's blood glucose levels at a specific point in time, which can be useful in identifying potential diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which can further impact glucose regulation in the body. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is associated with underlying diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical naturally synthesized in the body, remains consistent in production. However, should the kidney encounter any impairments, it fails to eliminate creatinine effectively, resulting in escalated levels. Consequently, assessing creatinine levels proves invaluable in evaluating kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.6?
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 3.6?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.6
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 22.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 21.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 21.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 21.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 21.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 21.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 20.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 20.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 20.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 20.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 20.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 20.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 20.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 19.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 19.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 19.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 19.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 19.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 19.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 19.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 18.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 18.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 18.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 18.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 18.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 18.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 18.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 18.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 18.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 18.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 18.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 18.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 17.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 17.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 17.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 17.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 17.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 17.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 17.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 17.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 17.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 17.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 17.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 17.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 17.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 17.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 17.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 17.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 16.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 16.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 16.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 16.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 16.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 16.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 16.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 16.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 16.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 16.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 16.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 16.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 16.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 16.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 16.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 16.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 16.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 16.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 16.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 16.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 16.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 15.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 15.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 15.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.75 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 3.6
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
