Creatinine 5.7 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.7 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 5.7 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-09T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.369+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.7 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.7 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.7 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.7 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.7?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.7?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.7?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.7?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally created by our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is produced at a steady pace, which means that our bodies consistently generate this substance. The amount of serum creatinine present in our blood is influenced by our muscle mass, meaning that individuals with more muscle tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine. Moreover, it's worth noting that men generally have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while pregnancy tends to lower the levels of this substance.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors evaluate how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to avoid eating a large amount of meat or taking certain medications, as they can affect the test results. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from our arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to the lab, where scientists measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles. By measuring the creatinine concentration, doctors can determine if our kidneys are working properly or if there might be a kidney problem that needs further investigation.
What does a creatinine of 5.7 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine range for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 5.7 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away, as you may need dialysis treatment. Do not try to treat yourself at home.3,4
Is creatinine 5.7 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 5.7 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.7 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.7 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 5.7 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.7?
- Acute Kidney Injury: A sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, kidney infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Kidney Infection: An infection that affects the kidneys, leading to inflammation and impaired kidney function.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockage or narrowing of the urinary tract, preventing the normal flow of urine and causing elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, resulting in decreased kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Inherited disorder causing numerous fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage, including high protein levels in the urine and increased creatinine levels.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition in which damaged muscle tissue releases toxic substances into the bloodstream, damaging the kidneys and causing elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.7?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important because it helps assess the balance of crucial minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the body. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can affect kidney function and may contribute to the elevation of creatinine. Monitoring electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for managing and treating conditions like kidney disease.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which helps evaluate kidney function. In this case, with a creatinine level of 5.7 mg/dl, the blood urea test can provide additional information about the efficiency of the kidneys in removing waste products from the body. This test aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of kidney diseases and can guide treatment decisions.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 5.7 mg/dl suggests significant impairment in kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can give a more precise measure of the severity and progression of kidney disease, helping guide treatment decisions and monitoring.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. This test is crucial because high levels of HbA1c indicate poor blood sugar control, which can lead to complications such as kidney damage, as evidenced by the elevated creatinine level. Therefore, monitoring and managing HbA1c levels is essential in preventing further renal damage.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case as it helps determine the level of LDH enzyme in the blood, which can indicate tissue damage or disease. Elevated LDH levels can be associated with kidney damage, including acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease, which could be contributing to the high creatinine level of 5.7 mg/dl. Thus, the LDH test can provide additional information to aid in the diagnosis and management of the underlying condition.
Random Sugar
A random sugar test is important in this case because elevated creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function, which can affect glucose regulation. The random sugar test helps assess blood sugar levels at any given time, providing valuable information about the patient's current glycemic control. Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent complications related to diabetes, especially in individuals with impaired kidney function.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical birthed within our bodies, maintains a steady flow. Alas, when kidney functionality is compromised, creatinine levels ascend. Thus, this compound becomes a valuable tool in assessing the well-being of our renal organs.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.7?
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 5.7?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.7
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 12.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 12.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 12.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 12.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 11.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 11.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 11.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 11.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 11.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 10.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 10.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 10.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 10.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 10.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 10.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 10.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 10.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 9.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 9.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 9.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 9.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 9.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 9.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 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 5.7
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
