Creatinine 6.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.5 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 6.5 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-11T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.617+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our body makes as a result of a natural process happening in our muscles. It is produced at a steady pace, meaning that our body continuously creates it. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have – more muscle means more serum creatinine. Interestingly, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while it is generally lower during pregnancy. So, serum creatinine helps us understand how much muscle we have and can vary between different individuals and life stages.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps evaluate how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it's important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements we are taking, as some may interfere with the results. During the test, a small needle will be used to draw a sample of blood, usually from a vein in our arm. Once the blood is collected, it will be sent to a laboratory where the creatinine concentration will be measured. This measurement helps doctors assess the health of our kidneys and detect any potential problems.
What does a creatinine of 6.5 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 6.5 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away for immediate treatment and possibly dialysis. Please do not try to treat yourself.3,4
What does a creatinine of 6.5 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine value is 6.5 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
Is creatinine 6.5 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 6.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.5 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 6.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.5?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, severe infection, or medication toxicity.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys leading to impaired kidney function and decreased filtration.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, affecting their ability to remove waste and excess fluids.
- Kidney infection: Bacterial infection of the kidneys, also known as pyelonephritis, causing inflammation and reduced renal function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors, preventing proper urine flow and leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, resulting in decreased blood flow and impaired renal function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and reduced function.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by medications, autoimmune diseases, or infections.
- Multiple myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can affect the kidneys and impair their filtration ability.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and the formation of blood clots in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the balance of important minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood, which can be affected by kidney dysfunction. Abnormal electrolyte levels can lead to various complications, including heart rhythm disturbances and muscle weakness, which may require immediate medical intervention. The test results will aid in determining the appropriate treatment and monitoring the patient's overall health.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it provides information about the functioning of the kidneys. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of kidney damage. Monitoring blood urea levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further complications associated with kidney dysfunction.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys in a minute. A creatinine level of 6.5 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of kidney function and help determine the stage of chronic kidney disease. This test allows healthcare professionals to monitor kidney function and make informed decisions regarding treatment and management of the condition.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, giving an indication of long-term blood sugar control. In the case of a creatinine level of 6.5 mg/dl, a high HbA1c could suggest poorly controlled diabetes, which may contribute to the kidney dysfunction. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels through HbA1c testing is crucial for preventing further complications and improving overall health.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) 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, and elevated levels can indicate tissue damage or cell death. By measuring LDH levels, healthcare providers can gain insights into potential organ damage or conditions that may be contributing to the high creatinine level, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps to identify the presence of diabetes or high blood sugar levels in the body, which can significantly impact kidney function. With a creatinine level of 6.5 mg/dl indicating severe kidney damage, it is crucial to determine if diabetes is the underlying cause as it may require additional treatment approaches and management strategies to prevent further kidney complications. Early detection and control of high blood sugar levels are essential in preserving kidney function and overall health.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized in the body with unwavering consistency, is wholly excreted by the kidneys in urine. However, should kidney function be compromised for any reason, the levels of creatinine surge. Consequently, creatinine serves as an invaluable means of assessing renal performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.5?
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 6.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 11.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 11.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 10.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 10.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 10.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 10.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 10.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 8.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.94 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 6.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
