Creatinine 6.0 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.0 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 6.0 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-10T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.462+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.0 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.0?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.0?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.0?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.0?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of a compound called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. Think of it like a leftover product after our muscles do their job. What's interesting is that our bodies make serum creatinine at a steady pace, no matter what we're doing. However, the amount of serum creatinine can vary from person to person depending on how much muscle they have. Generally, men tend to have more serum creatinine than women, and during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test used to check the levels of creatinine in your body. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for a few hours. This is because certain substances in food and drinks can affect the accuracy of the test results. During the test, a healthcare professional will collect a small sample of your blood using a needle. The blood will then be sent to a lab, where it will be analyzed to measure the concentration of creatinine. This measurement is important because creatinine is a waste product that your muscles produce and your kidneys filter out of your body. By measuring the creatinine levels, doctors can get an idea of how well your kidneys are working. If the creatinine levels are too high, it could indicate kidney problems. The results of the test can help your doctor diagnose and monitor conditions such as kidney disease, dehydration, or certain medications' side effects.
What does a creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. When the creatinine value is 6.0 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.3,4
What does a creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine range for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. When the creatinine level reaches 6.0 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you seek immediate medical attention and possibly undergo dialysis. You should go to the hospital right away and avoid trying to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 6.0 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 6.0 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.0 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.0 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 6.0 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.0?
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden decrease in kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, severe infection, medication side effects, or kidney damage.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, often caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other underlying conditions.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate, leading to impaired urine flow and kidney damage.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters) in the kidneys, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications.
- Hypovolemia: Low blood volume due to excessive fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, severe bleeding, or inadequate fluid intake, leading to reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney injury.
- Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually originating from a urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidneys.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A kidney disorder characterized by the leakage of large amounts of protein into the urine, often caused by underlying diseases such as diabetes or lupus.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding structures, commonly caused by allergic reactions to medications, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually affecting their function over time.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.0?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important for a creatinine level of 6.0 mg/dl because it helps assess kidney function and overall electrolyte balance in the body. High creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as high potassium levels. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment and prevent complications associated with kidney dysfunction.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps confirm this by measuring the levels of nitrogenous waste products in the blood. The test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease or dysfunction.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is important in assessing kidney function because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 6.0 mg/dL indicates severe kidney impairment, and the eGFR test can help determine the stage of kidney disease and guide appropriate treatment decisions. Monitoring eGFR over time can also help identify any changes in kidney function and guide adjustments in medication dosages.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term blood sugar control. It helps diagnose and monitor diabetes, as well as assess the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar levels. In combination with the high creatinine level, the HbA1c test can provide valuable insights into the patient's kidney function and overall health.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it helps determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the kidneys, and elevated levels can indicate tissue damage or injury. Therefore, the LDH test can help identify if the high creatinine is due to kidney dysfunction or other factors like muscle breakdown.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps to assess the patient's blood glucose levels, which can indicate the presence of diabetes. High creatinine levels can be a sign of kidney damage, which is a common complication of diabetes. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can provide valuable information about the patient's overall kidney function and the need for further evaluation or treatment.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance synthesized in the body at an unchanging pace, gets entirely expelled in the urine through the filtration process of the kidney. Whenever the kidney's performance is compromised for various causes, the levels of creatinine experience an elevation. Consequently, creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to assess the kidney's efficiency.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.0?
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 6.0?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.0
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 12.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 12.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 12.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 11.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 11.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 11.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 11.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 11.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 11.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 10.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 10.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 10.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 10.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 10.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 10.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 9.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 9.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 9.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 9.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 9.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 9.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 9.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 9.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 8.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 8.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 8.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 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 6.0
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
