Creatinine 4.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.8 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 4.8 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-07T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.085+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.8?
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, which is found in our muscles. It is produced consistently at a steady rate, so the amount of serum creatinine in our blood can give us an idea of how well our kidneys are functioning. The level of serum creatinine can vary depending on factors like how much muscle we have - typically, men have higher levels than women due to having more muscle mass. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the level of serum creatinine tends to be lower. In simple terms, serum creatinine is like a little clue that helps doctors understand how well our kidneys are doing and how much muscle we have.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as certain drugs can affect the results. On the day of the test, a small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will measure the concentration of creatinine to determine how well your kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.8 mg/dl, it is considered very high and classified as severe. It is advised that you go to the hospital right away. You may need to undergo dialysis, a procedure to help filter your blood, and possibly have a small sample taken from your kidney to determine the cause of the high creatinine. If the cause is found to be related to your immune system, you may need medications to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through an IV. Other possible causes could be advanced kidney damage due to diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 4.8 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.8 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away for immediate medical attention, and you may need dialysis. Please do not try to treat yourself without professional help.3,4
Is creatinine 4.8 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 4.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.8 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 4.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.8?
- Acute kidney injury: This sudden decrease in kidney function can result in elevated creatinine levels.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys can cause a gradual increase in creatinine levels.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine and higher creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system can impair kidney function and raise creatinine levels.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys can decrease their function.
- Nephrotoxic medications: Certain drugs can damage the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units can affect their function and increase creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited condition characterized by the formation of cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
- Acromegaly: Excessive growth hormone production can cause kidney enlargement and impaired function.
- Lupus nephritis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.8?
Serum Electrolytes
A creatinine level of 4.8 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, and the serum electrolytes test helps assess the balance of important minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or imbalances that can affect heart rhythm and other vital functions, making the test crucial for proper diagnosis and management of the patient's condition.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. A high level of urea indicates poor kidney function and can be correlated with a high creatinine level, suggesting possible kidney disease or dysfunction. Monitoring both creatinine and blood urea levels helps assess kidney health and guide appropriate medical intervention.
Estimated GFR
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test is crucial in assessing kidney function by estimating the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute. A creatinine level of 4.8 mg/dl indicates significant impairment in kidney function, but the eGFR provides a more comprehensive evaluation, allowing for better diagnosis, monitoring, and management of chronic kidney disease. Additionally, eGFR helps determine the stage of kidney disease and guides appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HBA1C test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information about long-term glucose control. It is particularly useful for individuals with high creatinine levels, as it can help diagnose and monitor diabetes or prediabetes, allowing for timely intervention and management. The test helps healthcare professionals tailor treatment plans and prevent complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the high creatinine level. Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or inflammation, which may be contributing to impaired kidney function. This information can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing the underlying condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this context because it helps evaluate the patient's blood sugar levels at any given time, providing insight into their glucose control. High creatinine levels can be indicative of kidney dysfunction, which can affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Monitoring random blood sugar levels can help identify any abnormalities and guide appropriate treatment.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance synthesized consistently within the body, undergoes complete filtration by the kidneys, being excreted entirely in urine. In situations where kidney function is impaired for various causes, the levels of creatinine escalate. Hence, evaluating creatinine serves as an exceedingly valuable means to assess the efficacy of kidney performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.8?
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 4.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 15.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 15.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 15.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 15.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 15.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 15.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 15.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 14.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 14.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 14.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 14.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 14.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 14.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 14.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 14.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 13.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 13.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 13.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 13.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 13.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 13.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 13.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 13.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 13.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 13.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 13.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 12.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 12.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 12.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 12.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 12.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 12.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 12.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 12.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 12.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 12.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 12.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 12.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 12.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 12.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 12.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 12.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 11.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 11.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 11.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 11.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 11.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 11.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 11.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 11.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 11.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 11.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 11.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 11.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 11.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 11.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.43 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 4.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
