Creatinine 4.3 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.3 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 4.3 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-06T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.928+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.3 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.3?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.3?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.3?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.3?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies make from something called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. Think of it as a byproduct, kind of like when we make a cake and have leftover eggshells. Our bodies make serum creatinine at a steady pace, meaning it's constantly being produced. However, the amount of serum creatinine we have in our blood depends on how much muscle we have. So, men usually have more serum creatinine than women because they tend to have more muscle. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower than usual.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 inform the doctor about any medications or supplements we are taking, as some of them may affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will use a small needle to draw a sample of our blood, usually from a vein in our arm. This sample will then be sent to a laboratory where a machine called a spectrophotometer will measure the concentration of creatinine in our blood. The results of the test will help our doctor assess the health of our kidneys and determine if any further action is needed.
What does a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 to 1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.3 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You might need dialysis or a small kidney biopsy to figure out the cause of the high creatinine level. If it is found to be caused by an immune problem, you may need medicine to suppress your immune system. You will also need to receive fluids through an IV. Other possible causes of high creatinine levels include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.3 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 4.3 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 4.3 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 46 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 46yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.3 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.3 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 4.3 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.3?
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI is a sudden loss of kidney function that can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, severe infections, kidney stones, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time. It can be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Any blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate, can lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic syndrome: This condition is characterized by damage to the filtering units of the kidneys, causing excessive protein leakage into the urine and elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the tiny filters in the kidneys. It can be caused by infections, immune system disorders, or certain medications.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys can result in reduced kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle tissue breakdown releases toxic substances into the bloodstream, which can damage the kidneys and increase creatinine levels. It can be caused by trauma, extreme exercise, or certain medications.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): HUS is a rare condition that can occur after certain infections, particularly from certain strains of E. coli bacteria. It can lead to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in increased creatinine levels. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
- Interstitial nephritis: Interstitial nephritis refers to inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures. It can be caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.3?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this scenario because it helps assess the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can be impacted by kidney function. A creatinine level of 4.3 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, so the Serum Electrolytes test can provide valuable information about any possible imbalances that may occur as a result of kidney dysfunction. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment decisions and prevent complications associated with electrolyte imbalances.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver during protein metabolism. Elevated levels of blood urea indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste products from the blood, suggesting impaired kidney function. In combination with the creatinine test, the blood urea test helps diagnose and monitor kidney diseases and other conditions that affect kidney function.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is important because it provides an estimate of kidney function by measuring the rate at which the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 4.3 mg/dl indicates significant kidney impairment, and the eGFR test can help determine the severity of the impairment and guide treatment decisions. Monitoring eGFR over time can also help track the progression of kidney disease and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for individuals with a creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glycemic control. This test helps in assessing the risk and management of diabetes, especially in individuals with kidney impairment who may have altered kidney function affecting glucose metabolism. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide healthcare professionals in adjusting treatment plans and preventing complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps to assess the extent of tissue damage and cell death. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate kidney damage, as well as other conditions such as liver disease or muscle injury. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of the high creatinine level and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Diabetes can cause kidney damage, leading to increased creatinine levels. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which may be caused by uncontrolled diabetes.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical generated within the human body consistently, undergoes complete filtration by the kidneys into urine. When kidney activity becomes impaired for various causes, the levels of creatinine escalate. Consequently, creatinine serves as an exceedingly valuable technique for evaluating kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.3?
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 4.3?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.3
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 18.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 17.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 17.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 17.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 17.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 17.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 17.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 16.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 16.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 16.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 16.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 16.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 16.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 16.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 15.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 15.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 15.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 15.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 15.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 15.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 15.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 15.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 15.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 15.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 15.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 14.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 14.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 14.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 14.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 14.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 14.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 14.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 14.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 14.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 14.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 14.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 14.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 14.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 14.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 13.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 13.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 13.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 13.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 13.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 13.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 13.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 13.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 13.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 13.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 13.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 13.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 13.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 13.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 13.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 13.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 13.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 13.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 13.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 13.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 13.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 13.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 13.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 12.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 12.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 12.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.57 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 4.3
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
