Creatinine 4.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.5 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 4.5 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-07T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.991+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is produced at a steady rate, meaning it is consistently made in our bodies. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have – generally, men tend to have more of it than women. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower. So, this little substance tells us about our muscle mass and can vary depending on our gender and whether or not we are expecting a baby.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps evaluate kidney function. Before the test, it is important to avoid eating large amounts of meat or taking certain medications that could affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where they measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles, in your blood. This measurement helps doctors determine how well your kidneys are working, as high levels of creatinine may indicate kidney problems.
What does a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.5 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is recommended that you go to the hospital right away. You may need dialysis or a small kidney biopsy to determine the cause of the high creatinine. If the cause is found to be 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 could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 4.5 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 4.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 35 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 35yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.5 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 4.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.5?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden decrease in kidney function, often caused by conditions like dehydration, infections, or medications.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys, often due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function over time.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics, can cause kidney damage at high doses or with prolonged use.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss, leading to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and impaired filtration.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in various organs, including the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and the blockage of blood vessels in the kidneys, often caused by certain types of E. coli infections.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in a patient with a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl as it helps assess kidney function and electrolyte balance. Abnormal electrolyte levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, which can lead to imbalances in sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. Monitoring these levels is crucial for managing and treating kidney disease and preventing complications.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the kidneys. A high level of urea in the blood indicates kidney dysfunction or failure, which can be a potential cause for the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring the blood urea level helps in assessing the overall kidney function and determining appropriate treatment options.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning. A creatinine level of 4.5 mg/dl suggests significant kidney damage or impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function. This information is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease, determining appropriate treatment strategies, and assessing the overall health of the kidneys.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glycemic control. It is particularly valuable for individuals with a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dl as it does not require kidney function for accurate results, unlike other tests that may be affected by impaired kidney function. This allows healthcare providers to assess and manage diabetes effectively in patients with kidney problems.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because elevated levels of LDH can indicate tissue damage or injury, which may explain the high creatinine level. LDH levels are commonly used to assess kidney function and can help determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine. Additionally, LDH levels can provide insight into other organ systems that may be affected, aiding in the diagnosis and management of the patient.
Random Sugar
The random sugar test is important because it helps determine the blood sugar levels at any given time, which can indicate the possibility of diabetes or other metabolic disorders. High blood sugar levels can contribute to kidney damage and impair kidney function, making it crucial to monitor and manage blood sugar levels in individuals with elevated creatinine levels. By identifying and controlling high blood sugar levels, the random sugar test can help prevent further kidney damage and complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical generated by the body at a steadfast pace, undergoes complete filtration in the urine by the kidney. In instances where the kidney's performance is compromised for various reasons, the levels of creatinine experience an elevation. Thus, measuring creatinine serves as an immensely valuable means to evaluate the kidney's functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.5?
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 4.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 17.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 16.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 16.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 16.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 16.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 16.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 15.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 15.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 15.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 15.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 15.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 15.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 15.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 14.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 14.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 14.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 14.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 14.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 14.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 14.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 14.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 14.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 14.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 14.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 14.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 13.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 13.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 13.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 13.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 13.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 13.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 13.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 13.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 13.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 13.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 13.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 13.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 13.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 13.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 12.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 12.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 12.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 12.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 12.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 12.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 12.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 12.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 12.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 12.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 12.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 12.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 12.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 12.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 12.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 12.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 12.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 12.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.08 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 4.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
