Creatinine 5.1 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.1 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 5.1 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-08T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.179+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.1 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.1 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.1 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.1 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.1?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.1?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.1?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.1?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. It is produced at a steady rate, meaning it doesn't change much over time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle mass we have, with men generally having higher levels than women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. So, it's like a little marker that tells us about our muscle health and can vary depending on factors like gender and pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure done to measure the level of creatinine in your blood. Before the test, it's important to avoid eating a large amount of meat or taking certain medications, as they can affect the results. During the test, a healthcare professional will take a small sample of your blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will use a machine to measure the concentration of creatinine. This test helps doctors assess the health of your kidneys and how well they are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 5.1 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18 mg/dl. If your creatinine level is 5.1 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away for immediate treatment, including possible dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself at home.3,4
What does a creatinine of 5.1 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 5.1 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is important that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself at home.3,4
Is creatinine 5.1 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 5.1 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.1 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.1 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 5.1 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.1?
- Kidney disease: A creatinine level above 1.02 may indicate impaired kidney function, which can be caused by various kidney diseases.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine and elevated creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or tumors, can cause increased creatinine levels.
- High protein diet: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can increase creatinine production and result in elevated levels.
- Certain medications: Some medications, like certain antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can raise creatinine levels.
- Muscle damage: Conditions that cause muscle breakdown, such as rhabdomyolysis or severe injury, can lead to higher creatinine levels.
- Heart failure: Impaired heart function can result in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland can contribute to increased creatinine production and impaired kidney function.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Infection: Severe infections, particularly those affecting the kidneys or urinary tract, can cause temporary increases in creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.1?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important because it helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which could be a possible cause for the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment decisions and assess the overall kidney function.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product formed when protein is broken down. High levels of blood urea can indicate impaired kidney function or dehydration, which can contribute to elevated creatinine levels. Thus, the Blood Urea test helps in assessing kidney health and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys. A creatinine level of 5.1 mg/dl indicates significant kidney dysfunction, and the Estimated GFR test can help determine the severity of the impairment and guide further treatment decisions. It is a crucial tool for monitoring kidney health and managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing an indication of long-term blood sugar control. This test is crucial in assessing the risk and management of diabetes, which can contribute to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring HbA1c levels can help guide treatment decisions and interventions to prevent further kidney complications.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario because it helps assess the extent of tissue damage or injury. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate cell death or destruction, providing additional information on the severity of kidney dysfunction associated with a creatinine level of 5.1 mg/dl. This test can help guide further evaluation and management decisions for the patient.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in assessing the patient's blood glucose level, particularly in cases where the creatinine level is elevated. This is because high creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function, which can affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. By measuring the random sugar, healthcare providers can monitor for potential diabetes or evaluate the effectiveness of current diabetes management.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a compound synthesized within the body at a consistent pace, undergoes complete elimination in the urine through filtration by the kidney. Should the kidney's capacity diminish due to various factors, creatinine levels experience elevation. Consequently, assessing the kidney's efficiency becomes particularly convenient by employing creatinine as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.1?
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 5.1?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.1
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 14.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 14.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 14.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 14.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 14.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 14.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 14.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 13.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 13.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 13.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 13.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 13.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 13.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 13.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 13.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 13.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 12.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 12.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 12.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 12.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 12.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 12.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 12.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 12.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 11.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 11.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 11.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 11.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 11.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 11.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 11.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 11.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 11.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 11.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 11.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 11.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 11.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 11.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 11.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 10.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 10.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 10.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 10.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 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 5.1
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
