Creatinine 5.0 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.0 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 5.0 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-08T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.148+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.0 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.0 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.0 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.0 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.0?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.0?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.0?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.0?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is created at a steady pace, meaning it remains relatively constant in our bloodstream. The amount of serum creatinine in our body depends on how much muscle we have, so it tends to be higher in men compared to women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. Overall, serum creatinine is a helpful marker for doctors to assess our muscle health and functioning.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps to assess kidney function. Before the test, it is important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken, as they can affect the results. Fasting or specific dietary restrictions are usually not required for this test. In the lab, a small sample of blood is collected from a vein in the arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a specialized machine called a spectrophotometer. The machine measures the concentration of creatinine in the blood by shining a light through the sample and analyzing how much light is absorbed. The results of the serum creatinine test can help doctors evaluate kidney health, detect any kidney problems, or monitor the effectiveness of certain medications. It is a painless and quick test that provides valuable information about how well the kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 5.0 mg/dl mean in men?
Creatinine levels between 0.73-1.18 mg/dl are considered normal for women. However, a creatinine value of 5.0 mg/dl is very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away. You may need dialysis treatment, and it is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
What does a creatinine of 5.0 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is usually between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 5.0 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away for urgent medical attention and possibly dialysis. It is important not to try treating yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.0 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 5.0 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.0 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.0 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 5.0 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.0?
- Renal failure: A creatinine level above 1.02 may indicate impaired kidney function, resulting in the inability to effectively filter waste products from the blood.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to increased creatinine levels as the kidneys try to conserve water.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, can hinder the normal flow of urine and cause creatinine to accumulate.
- Acute tubular necrosis: This condition occurs when there is damage to the tubules in the kidneys, leading to impaired filtration and elevated creatinine levels.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, can result in persistently elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, which are tiny filters in the kidneys, can disrupt their normal function and cause an increase in creatinine.
- Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary tract, particularly if they spread to the kidneys, can impact kidney function and elevate creatinine levels.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some antibiotics, and certain chemotherapy drugs, can affect kidney function and cause elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: This serious condition occurs when muscle breakdown releases toxins into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the kidneys and result in high creatinine levels.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to decreased kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.0?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, in the body. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for managing and treating the patient's condition.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important in this case because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. A high creatinine level suggests impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps to confirm this by assessing the ability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood. Monitoring blood urea levels is crucial for assessing kidney health and determining the appropriate treatment for kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is important in evaluating kidney function as it estimates the rate at which the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 5.0 mg/dl suggests severe kidney dysfunction, but eGFR provides a more accurate assessment of the kidney's ability to perform its vital functions, aiding in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, providing a long-term overview of blood glucose control. In the case of a creatinine level of 5.0 mg/dl, the HbA1c test can help determine if the high creatinine is due to uncontrolled diabetes, as persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it helps determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or cell death, including kidney damage. By assessing LDH levels, healthcare professionals can gain insights into potential underlying conditions or diseases affecting the kidneys.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine the blood glucose level at any given time, allowing for the detection of possible diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Elevated creatinine levels can be associated with kidney dysfunction, which can be caused by diabetes. Monitoring blood sugar levels through the Random Sugar test can help manage and prevent further complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body at a steadfast pace, undergoes total elimination through filtration by the kidney into the urine. Should any circumstances impair the kidney's operation, the levels of creatinine ascend. Hence, creatinine serves as an extremely valuable means to assess the kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.0?
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 5.0?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.0
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 15.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 15.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 14.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 14.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 14.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 14.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 14.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 13.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 13.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 13.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 13.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 13.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 13.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 13.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 13.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 12.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 12.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 12.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 12.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 12.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 12.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 12.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 12.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 12.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 11.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 11.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 11.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 11.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 11.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 11.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 11.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 11.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 11.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 11.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 11.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 11.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 11.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 11.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 11.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 11.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 11.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 11.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 10.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 10.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 10.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 10.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 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 5.0
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
