Creatinine 3.7 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.7 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 3.7 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-05T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.738+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.7 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.7?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.7?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.7?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.7?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of breaking down creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is made at a steady rate, meaning that the amount of creatinine in our blood should remain fairly constant. However, the levels of serum creatinine can vary depending on factors like muscle mass. Generally, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while pregnancy can cause lower levels. So, it's like a marker that tells us about the amount of muscle breakdown happening in our bodies, and it can be different for different people depending on their gender or if they are expecting a baby.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors check how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to follow some pretest preparations, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting for a few hours. Once we are ready for the test, a healthcare professional will gently draw a small amount of blood from our arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to a lab where scientists will measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles, in our blood. This information will help our doctor assess the health of our kidneys and identify any potential kidney problems.
What does a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dl mean in men?
If your creatinine level is 3.7 mg/dl, it is considered very high. You should go to the hospital right away. You might need dialysis, which helps clean your blood, or a small test on your kidney to find out why this is happening. If it is caused by your immune system, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through a tube in your vein. Other reasons for this high level could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. A creatinine value of 3.7 mg/dl is considered severe. It means that your kidney function is very poor and you need to go to the hospital right away. You may require dialysis, which is a treatment to help your kidneys filter waste from your blood. The doctors may also need to do a small sample of your kidney to find out the cause of the problem. 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 this high creatinine level can include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.7 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 3.7 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.7 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.7 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 3.7 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.7?
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to an increase in creatinine levels as the kidneys try to conserve water by reducing urine production.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys can cause inflammation and damage, leading to an impaired ability to filter waste products like creatinine.
- Kidney stones: The presence of kidney stones can obstruct the normal flow of urine, causing a buildup of creatinine in the blood.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as from tumors or an enlarged prostate, can prevent the proper elimination of creatinine from the body.
- Chronic kidney disease: When the kidneys are damaged or not functioning properly for an extended period, creatinine levels can rise.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can affect kidney function and contribute to elevated creatinine levels.
- Muscle injury or breakdown: Extensive muscle injury or breakdown, such as in rhabdomyolysis, can release large amounts of creatinine into the bloodstream.
- High protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can increase creatinine levels as the body metabolizes protein into waste products, including creatinine.
- Severe dehydration: In cases of severe dehydration, creatinine levels can become significantly elevated due to reduced kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease characterized by inflammation in the glomeruli, which can impair their ability to filter creatinine and other waste products.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.7?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important for evaluating kidney function, as high levels of creatinine indicate potential kidney dysfunction. This test helps assess the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be disrupted in cases of kidney disease. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to prevent complications and guide appropriate treatment for patients with elevated creatinine levels.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product formed when the liver breaks down proteins. High levels of urea indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products like urea. Therefore, in conjunction with the creatinine test, the blood urea test helps determine the overall kidney health and functioning.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. A creatinine level of 3.7 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney disease and help guide appropriate treatment decisions. Monitoring GFR over time can also help track the progression of kidney disease and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for individuals with a creatinine of 3.7 mg/dL as it helps evaluate long-term blood sugar control. This test measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information for monitoring and managing diabetes. It aids in determining appropriate treatment plans and helps prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
LDH
The LDH test is important because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme found in various tissues, and elevated levels can indicate tissue damage or disease. By measuring LDH levels, healthcare professionals can gain insight into potential underlying conditions that may be contributing to the high creatinine levels.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate the patient's blood glucose levels at the time of testing, indicating if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. High creatinine levels can be indicative of kidney dysfunction, which is commonly associated with diabetes. Therefore, the Random Sugar test assists in identifying and managing diabetes-related complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical generated within the body at an unwavering pace, is entirely sieved by the kidneys and expelled through urine. When the kidney's efficiency diminishes due to various factors, the levels of creatinine increase. Consequently, assessing creatinine proves highly beneficial in gauging the functionality of the kidneys.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.7?
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 3.7?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.7
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 21.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 21.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 21.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 20.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 20.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 20.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 20.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 20.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 19.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 19.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 19.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 19.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 19.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 19.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 19.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 19.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 18.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 18.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 18.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 18.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 18.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 18.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 18.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 18.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 18.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 18.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 17.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 17.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 17.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 17.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 17.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 17.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 17.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 17.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 17.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 17.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 17.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 17.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 17.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 17.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 16.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 16.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 16.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 16.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 16.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 16.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 16.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 16.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 16.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 16.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 16.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 16.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 16.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 16.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 16.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 16.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 16.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 15.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 15.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 15.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 15.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 15.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 15.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 15.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 15.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 15.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 15.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 15.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 15.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 15.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 15.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 15.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 15.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.38 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 3.7
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
