Creatinine 4.6 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.6 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 4.6 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-07T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.023+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.6 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.6 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.6 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.6 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.6?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.6?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.6?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.6?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies create as a result of a compound called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is made by our bodies at a steady pace, kind of like a factory that keeps producing it all the time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by how much muscle we have - so men usually have more of it than women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors measure the levels of creatinine in your body. Before the test, you may be advised to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect the results. When you go to the lab, a healthcare professional will gently insert a needle into your vein to draw a small amount of blood. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will use special machines to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood.
What does a creatinine of 4.6 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.6 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need dialysis or a small sample taken from your kidney to find out the cause. If it is found to be caused by your immune system, you may need medication to suppress your immune system. 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
What does a creatinine of 4.6 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.6 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away, as you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself without medical help.3,4
Is creatinine 4.6 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 4.6 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 31 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 31yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.6 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.6 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 4.6 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.6?
- Chronic kidney disease: This is the most common cause of elevated creatinine levels. It indicates the loss of kidney function over a period of time.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage or injury to the kidneys can result in elevated creatinine levels. This can be due to various factors such as dehydration, medication toxicity, or urinary tract obstruction.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, can impair the normal flow of urine and lead to elevated creatinine.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can concentrate the blood and increase creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary tract, particularly in the kidneys, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- High protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can put a strain on the kidneys and lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage and raise creatinine levels.
- Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels and small filtering units of the kidneys, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Liver disease: Severe liver disease can impair the breakdown of creatinine and cause its accumulation in the bloodstream.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.6?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in assessing the functioning of various bodily systems, including the kidneys. It helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be affected by impaired kidney function. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can further indicate the severity of kidney dysfunction and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. In conjunction with the creatinine test, it helps diagnose and monitor kidney diseases or conditions. The elevated creatinine level of 4.6 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, and the Blood Urea test can provide additional information to assess the severity and progression of the condition.
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 4.6 mg/dl indicates significant kidney dysfunction, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function by taking into account factors such as age, sex, and race. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment and management of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this scenario as it provides an indication of a person's average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It helps in monitoring and managing diabetes, which could potentially be the cause of the elevated creatinine level. By measuring long-term blood sugar control, the HbA1c test can assist in determining the effectiveness of treatment and the need for adjustments to prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario because it helps assess the extent of tissue damage and cell death. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, and LDH can be elevated in conditions such as kidney injury, infections, or certain cancers. Therefore, the LDH test can aid in determining the underlying cause and severity of the elevated creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate the individual's blood glucose level at any given time, which can indicate the presence of diabetes or abnormal glucose metabolism. Since a high creatinine level can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, it is crucial to assess the blood sugar level to determine if the elevated creatinine is due to kidney damage or diabetes-related kidney disease. Moreover, managing blood sugar levels is essential for preventing further kidney damage and maintaining overall health.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that the body consistently manufactures, undergoes complete filtration by the kidney into the urine. When kidney function is compromised for various causes, creatinine levels experience an elevation. Ergo, creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to assess kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.6?
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 4.6?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.6
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 16.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 16.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 16.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 16.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 15.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 15.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 15.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 15.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 15.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 14.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 14.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 14.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 14.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 14.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 14.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 14.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 14.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 14.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 14.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 13.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 13.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 13.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 13.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 13.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 13.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 13.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 13.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 13.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 13.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 13.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 13.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 13.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 12.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 12.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 12.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 12.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 12.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 12.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 12.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 12.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 12.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 12.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 12.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 12.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 12.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 12.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 12.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 12.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 12.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 12.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 12.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 12.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 12.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 11.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 11.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 11.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.85 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 4.6
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
