Creatinine 5.2 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.2 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 5.2 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-08T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.211+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.2 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.2 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.2 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.2 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.2?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.2?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.2?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.2?
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 consistently at a steady pace, which means the amount of serum creatinine in our blood remains fairly constant. The level of serum creatinine can vary depending on the amount of muscle we have - generally, men tend to have higher levels than women, while during pregnancy, the levels tend to be lower. So, it's like a little marker in our blood that tells us how much muscle we have and can give us some information about our overall health.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating large amounts of meat and certain medications, as they can affect the results. During the lab test, a small amount of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will then be sent to the lab, where it will be processed. In the lab, the technicians will measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by your muscles and filtered out by your kidneys. By measuring the amount of creatinine in your blood, doctors can get an idea of how well your kidneys are working.
What does a creatinine of 5.2 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 5.2 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself without medical help.3,4
What does a creatinine of 5.2 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal levels of creatinine for women are between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine value is 5.2 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you might need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.2 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 5.2 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.2 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.2 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 5.2 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.2?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various reasons such as dehydration, kidney infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
- Kidney infection: Infection of the kidneys, often resulting from a urinary tract infection that has spread.
- Obstructive uropathy: Blockage in the urinary system, such as a kidney stone or enlarged prostate, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys, often caused by immune system disorders or infections.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing a protein called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys.
- Nephrotoxic medications: Certain drugs or toxins that can directly harm the kidneys, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition where red blood cells are destroyed and block the kidneys' filtering system.
- Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.2?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess kidney function by measuring levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction or other underlying health conditions. Monitoring these levels is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and managing the patient's overall health.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver. Elevated levels of urea nitrogen indicate impaired kidney function, which can lead to an increase in creatinine levels. Therefore, the Blood Urea test helps in assessing kidney function and diagnosing conditions such as kidney disease or dehydration.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (eGFR) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring the rate at which they are able to filter waste products from the blood. In the case of a creatinine level of 5.2 mg/dl, a high eGFR value can suggest that the kidneys are still functioning relatively well despite the elevated creatinine level, while a low eGFR value may indicate significant impairment in kidney function. This information is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glycemic control. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect the accuracy of other blood glucose tests. Therefore, the HbA1c test remains crucial for assessing the overall management of diabetes in individuals with impaired kidney function.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it helps in assessing kidney function. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate kidney damage or impaired kidney function, which can be further evaluated through additional tests. Monitoring LDH levels can aid in the diagnosis and management of kidney-related conditions in patients with high creatinine levels.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it can help determine the underlying cause of the high creatinine level. Elevated creatinine levels can be a result of kidney dysfunction, and high blood sugar levels can contribute to kidney damage. Therefore, the Random Sugar test is crucial in evaluating the potential presence of diabetes, which could be a contributing factor to the elevated creatinine level.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical manufactured by the body in a steady flow, gets expelled entirely through urine thanks to the kidney's filtration process. When kidney function is impacted due to various factors, creatinine levels experience an increase. Consequently, creatinine serves as a highly practical means to evaluate the efficiency of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.2?
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 5.2?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.2
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 14.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 14.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 14.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 13.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 13.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 13.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 13.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 13.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 13.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 12.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 12.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 12.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 12.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 12.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 12.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 12.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 12.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 12.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 12.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 11.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 11.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 11.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 11.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 11.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 11.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 11.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 11.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 11.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 11.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 11.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 11.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 11.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 11.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 11.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 10.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 10.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 10.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 10.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 10.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 10.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 10.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 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 5.2
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
