Creatinine 5.4 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.4 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 5.4 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-09T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.275+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.4 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.4 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.4 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.4 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.4?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.4?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.4?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.4?
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 always being produced in a steady manner, like a factory that never stops working. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by the amount of muscle we have. Generally, men have more muscle than women, so their serum creatinine levels tend to be higher. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the amount of serum creatinine in a woman's body is usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test to measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they can affect the results. Fasting is not usually required for this test. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your vein, usually from your arm. This blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis. In the lab, they will use special equipment to measure the amount of creatinine in your blood. This test helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning and can help diagnose kidney problems or monitor the effectiveness of certain medications.
What does a creatinine of 5.4 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If your creatinine level is 5.4 mg/dl, it is very dangerous and could be life-threatening. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.4 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 5.4 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.4 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.4 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 5.4 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.4?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden decrease in kidney function, often caused by dehydration, medication toxicity, or kidney infection.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage of the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, preventing normal urine flow.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in the urine, resulting in decreased kidney function.
- Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection of the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potential kidney damage.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Breakdown of muscle tissue, resulting in the release of toxic substances that can damage the kidneys.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition that causes abnormal blood clotting and damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by medications or autoimmune disorders.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.4?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps determine the levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which could be the cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring the electrolyte levels helps guide treatment and management of kidney disease.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. In the case of a creatinine level of 5.4 mg/dl, a high Blood Urea level would suggest that there is impaired kidney function, confirming the need for further investigation and management. Additionally, the Blood Urea test can help evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor the progress of kidney disease.
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 5.4 mg/dl suggests significant kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function and help guide treatment decisions. Monitoring the Estimated GFR over time can also help track the progression of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, which helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. With a creatinine level of 5.4 mg/dl, it is crucial to evaluate the patient's glucose control as high blood sugar can contribute to kidney damage. The HbA1c test provides valuable information for managing diabetes and preventing further complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the kidneys, and elevated levels may indicate kidney damage or disease. Therefore, the LDH test can provide additional information to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps to assess the patient's blood glucose level at any given time, providing immediate information on their current blood sugar status. This is crucial as high blood sugar levels can contribute to kidney damage and worsen the already elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is essential in preventing further deterioration of kidney function.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body at a steady pace, is thoroughly sieved out by the kidneys into the urine. Should the renal function become compromised for any given cause, the concentrations of creatinine escalate. Consequently, the measurement of creatinine proves to be an invaluable means of assessing the operational prowess of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.4?
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 5.4?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.4
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 13.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 13.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 13.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 13.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 13.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 12.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 12.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 12.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 12.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 12.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 11.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 11.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 11.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 11.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 11.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 11.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 11.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 10.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 10.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 10.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 10.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 10.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 10.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 10.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 10.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 10.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 10.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 10.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 10.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 9.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 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 5.4
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
