Creatinine 4.0 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.0 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 4.0 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-06T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.832+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.0 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.0 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.0 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.0 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.0?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.0?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.0?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.0?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of muscle activity. When our muscles use a compound called creatine phosphate for energy, serum creatinine is formed as a byproduct. Our bodies create this substance at a steady rate, which means it remains relatively constant over time. However, the amount of serum creatinine in our blood can vary depending on factors like muscle mass. Men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while levels are generally lower during pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure used to evaluate kidney function. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating certain foods and medications that could affect the results. When you arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to the laboratory, where technicians will measure the concentration of a substance called creatinine. The results of this test can help your doctor determine if your kidneys are working properly or if there might be any underlying kidney problems.
What does a creatinine of 4.0 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.0 mg/dl, this is considered severe. It is very important for you to go to the hospital right away. You might need dialysis, a procedure to help your kidneys, and possibly a small sample taken from your kidney to figure out the cause. If it is determined that your immune system is causing the problem, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need fluids given through your veins. Other reasons for the high creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 4.0 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.0 mg/dl, it is considered very high and you should go to the hospital right away. You may need to be admitted to the hospital and possibly undergo dialysis. The doctors may need to do a small biopsy of your kidney to find out the cause. 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 can be kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 4.0 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 4.0 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 69 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 69yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.0 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.0 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 4.0 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.0?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by dehydration, infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, which can prevent the kidneys from effectively filtering waste.
- Kidney infection: Inflammation and infection of the kidneys, often caused by a bacterial infection.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Genetic disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
- Drug-induced nephrotoxicity: Certain medications or toxins can damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter waste.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by an allergic reaction or certain medications.
- Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation as a result of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.0?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case as it helps evaluate the levels of important minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormalities in these electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, which is often associated with high levels of creatinine. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment and prevent further complications.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function by measuring the level of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys, so a high level may indicate impaired kidney function. This test, along with the creatinine test, can help diagnose and monitor kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
A creatinine level of 4.0 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, but it does not provide an accurate measure of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which reflects the overall kidney function. The Estimated GFR test is important as it gives a more precise estimation of the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, helping in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases. It allows healthcare professionals to assess the severity of kidney damage and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
HBA1C
The HBA1C test is important because it provides information about a person's average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, which can cause kidney damage and increase creatinine levels. The test can help determine the need for interventions to manage blood sugar levels and prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case as it helps in determining the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the kidneys, and an elevated LDH level may indicate kidney damage or injury. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information to assist in diagnosing and managing the underlying condition leading to the high creatinine levels.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in determining the blood glucose level of an individual, which is crucial in diagnosing and managing diabetes. A creatinine level of 4.0 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, which can affect the clearance of glucose from the blood. Therefore, the Random Sugar test helps assess the individual's glycemic control and guides appropriate treatment decisions.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a compound generated within the body, maintains a steady production rate. The kidney, being the filtration powerhouse, effectively removes all creatinine through urine. However, when the kidney encounters impairments, creatinine levels surge. Consequently, assessing creatinine levels serves as an invaluable means to evaluate renal functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.0?
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 4.0?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.0
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 19.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 19.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 19.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 19.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 18.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 18.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 18.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 18.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 18.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 18.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 17.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 17.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 17.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 17.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 17.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 17.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 17.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 17.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 17.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 16.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 16.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 16.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 16.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 16.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 16.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 16.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 16.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 16.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 15.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 15.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 15.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 15.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 15.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 15.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 15.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 15.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 15.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 15.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 15.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 15.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 15.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 15.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 15.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 15.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 14.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 14.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 14.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 14.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 14.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 14.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 14.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 14.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 14.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 14.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 14.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 14.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 14.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 14.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 14.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 14.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 14.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 14.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 14.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 14.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 14.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 14.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.4 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 4.0
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
