Creatinine 6.1 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.1 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 6.1 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-10T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.493+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.1 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.1 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.1 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.1 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.1?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.1?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.1?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.1?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which exists in our muscles. It is made at a steady pace, meaning it is constantly being generated in our bodies. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on the size of our muscles, so it tends to be higher in men compared to women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. Overall, serum creatinine is a useful marker to measure muscle mass and can provide insights into certain conditions or changes happening within our bodies.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, we usually need to prepare by fasting for a few hours and avoiding certain medications that could affect the results. Once we arrive at the lab, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of our blood using a needle. In the lab, they will carefully measure the concentration of creatinine in our blood, which is a waste product produced by our muscles. This information helps doctors determine if our kidneys are working properly or if further medical attention is needed.
What does a creatinine of 6.1 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 6.1 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. 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 and seek medical help immediately.3,4
What does a creatinine of 6.1 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 6.1 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised to go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 6.1 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 6.1 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.1 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.1 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 6.1 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.1?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function caused by factors such as dehydration, medication side effects, or kidney damage.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, often due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors, preventing proper urine flow and leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys, which can impair their ability to remove waste products from the blood.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, affecting their function and leading to high creatinine levels.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding tissues, often caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, resulting in reduced blood flow and impaired kidney function.
- Acute tubular necrosis: Damage to the tubular cells in the kidneys, commonly caused by ischemia, toxins, or severe infections.
- Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection of the kidneys, which can cause inflammation and damage to the renal tissue.
- Multiple myeloma: A type of cancer that affects plasma cells, resulting in the production of abnormal proteins that can damage the kidneys.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.1?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess the overall kidney function and electrolyte balance. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, and the Serum Electrolytes test can determine if there are any imbalances in important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can further affect the body's overall health. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and treating kidney dysfunction and preventing further complications.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product created when the body breaks down protein. In combination with the creatinine test, it helps evaluate kidney function and determine if the high creatinine level is due to impaired kidney function or other factors such as dehydration or muscle damage. The blood urea test provides additional information to aid in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a crucial test to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 6.1 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but eGFR provides a more accurate measurement of the filtration rate. Knowing the eGFR helps healthcare professionals determine the stage of chronic kidney disease and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for assessing long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. It measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information about the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies. In the case of a high creatinine level of 6.1 mg/dl, the HbA1c test can help determine if the elevated creatinine is associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this scenario as it helps assess the extent of tissue damage and provides information about cell death. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate tissue injury, including damage to the kidneys. Therefore, in conjunction with the creatinine level, the LDH test can provide valuable insights into the severity of kidney dysfunction and guide appropriate management.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps determine the blood glucose level at any given time, providing valuable information about a person's overall blood sugar control. In the case of a creatinine level of 6.1 mg/dl, a Random Sugar test can help assess if the high creatinine is due to uncontrolled diabetes, as high blood sugar can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring blood sugar levels can aid in managing and preventing further complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that maintains a steady presence within the body, undergoes complete filtration in the urine by our trusty kidneys. However, when the kidney's functionality suffers from various factors, the levels of creatinine soar. Consequently, measuring creatinine becomes an invaluable technique in assessing the efficiency of our kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.1?
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 6.1?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.1
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 11.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 11.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 10.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 10.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 10.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 9.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 9.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 9.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 9.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 9.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 8.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 8.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.39 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 6.1
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
