Creatinine 5.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.8 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 5.8 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-09T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.401+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally make as a result of muscle activity. It is formed when our muscles break down a compound called creatine phosphate. This creatinine is produced at a steady pace, regardless of our age or physical condition. However, the amount of creatinine in our blood is influenced by factors like the size of our muscles. Men usually have more muscle mass than women, so their creatinine levels tend to be higher. Conversely, in pregnancy, the creatinine levels might be lower due to the changes happening in the body during this time.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to let the healthcare provider know about any medications or supplements we are taking, as some of them might affect the test results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of our blood using a needle, usually from a vein in our arm. In the lab, the sample is analyzed to measure the amount of creatinine, a waste product produced by our muscles, in our blood. This measurement helps doctors determine if our kidneys are filtering waste properly or if there might be an issue that needs further investigation.
What does a creatinine of 5.8 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. However, if the creatinine level is 5.8 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.8 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 5.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.8 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 5.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.8?
- Acute kidney injury: This is a sudden loss of kidney function caused by an injury or certain medications.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time.
- Obstruction of the urinary tract: Blockage or narrowing of the urinary tract can prevent proper urine flow and lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can cause a decrease in urine production and lead to higher creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary tract can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, which can increase creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Persistent high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their function.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage and raise creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Liver disease: Liver dysfunction can affect the metabolism and excretion of creatinine, resulting in higher levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.8?
Serum Electrolytes
A creatinine level of 5.8 mg/dl indicates severe impairment in kidney function. Testing serum electrolytes is important as it helps assess the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which can be disrupted in kidney disease, leading to complications such as electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disturbances, and fluid retention. Monitoring these parameters is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and managing the patient's condition effectively.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important in evaluating kidney function as it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys, so an elevated blood urea level may indicate impaired kidney function. In conjunction with the creatinine test, the Blood Urea test helps assess the severity and progression 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 in filtering waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 5.8 mg/dl suggests significant impairment in kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney disease and helps guide treatment decisions. It is a crucial tool in monitoring kidney health and determining the stage of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into long-term blood sugar control. It is particularly relevant for individuals with a high creatinine level as it helps assess the risk of diabetes or the effectiveness of diabetes management, which may be affected by impaired kidney function. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide healthcare professionals in determining appropriate treatment plans for these patients.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario because it helps evaluate kidney function by measuring the levels of LDH in the blood. Elevated LDH levels can indicate kidney damage or impaired kidney function, which can be valuable information when assessing a creatinine level of 5.8 mg/dl. Additionally, LDH levels can help differentiate between different causes of kidney dysfunction, such as acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case as it helps to assess the patient's blood glucose levels. Elevated creatinine levels can be indicative of impaired kidney function, and diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. Monitoring blood sugar levels through the Random Sugar test can help identify and manage diabetes, potentially preventing further kidney damage.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized uniformly within the body, experiences its complete elimination through the urinary filtration process conducted by the kidney. In the event of kidney impairment arising from various causes, the concentration of creatinine escalates. Consequently, creatinine represents an invaluable means of assessing kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.8?
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 5.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 12.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 12.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 12.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 12.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 11.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 11.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 11.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 11.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 10.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 10.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 10.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 10.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 10.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 10.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 9.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 9.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 9.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 9.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 9.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 9.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 9.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 9.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 9.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 9.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 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 5.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
