Creatinine 6.6 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.6 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 6.6 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-11T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.649+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.6 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.6 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.6 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.6 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.6?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.6?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.6?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.6?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It's kind of like a leftover product that our body produces when it uses creatine phosphate for energy. The interesting thing about serum creatinine is that our body makes it at a steady rate, so the levels of creatinine in our blood can give us an idea of how well our kidneys are working. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by factors like how much muscle we have - which is why men usually have higher levels than women - and it's also affected by pregnancy, where the levels tend to be lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure that measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they can affect the test results. It is also recommended to avoid eating a large amount of meat and strenuous exercise for a day or two before the test. During the lab test, a small sample of your blood will be collected using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to the lab, where it will be analyzed. In the lab, the technicians will use a machine called a spectrophotometer that can measure the amount of creatinine in your blood. This measurement helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning and if there are any potential kidney problems.
What does a creatinine of 6.6 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 6.6 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. This means your creatinine level is very high and you should go to the hospital right away. It is important not to try to treat yourself, as you may need immediate medical attention and possibly dialysis.3,4
Is creatinine 6.6 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 6.6 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.6 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.6 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 6.6 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.6?
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden decrease in kidney function due to various reasons such as dehydration, kidney infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Long-term damage to the kidneys leading to reduced kidney function and impaired filtration of waste products.
- Renal Failure: Complete or partial loss of kidney function resulting in the accumulation of waste products and fluid imbalances in the body.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or tumor, preventing normal urine flow and causing a buildup of waste products.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to low protein levels and fluid retention.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) due to immune system dysfunction or infections.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Inherited disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and impaired function.
- Interstitial Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney tissue between the tubules, often caused by certain medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and dysfunction.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and kidney failure, often caused by certain types of bacteria or viruses.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.6?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is crucial in this case because it helps determine the levels of important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal electrolyte levels can have a significant impact on kidney function, fluid balance, and overall health. Monitoring these levels can provide valuable insights into the patient's condition and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function and provides valuable information about the body's ability to eliminate waste products. A high creatinine level, such as 6.6 mg/dl, indicates impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps confirm this diagnosis by measuring the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. This test can aid in determining the severity of kidney disease and guide treatment decisions.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is crucial in assessing kidney function because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 6.6 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test helps determine the stage of kidney disease and guides appropriate treatment decisions. This test is vital for monitoring kidney function and evaluating the progression of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it provides information about a person's average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It can help determine if the high creatinine level is due to poorly controlled diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent further complications and improve overall kidney function.
LDH
LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues, including the kidneys. Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or cell death, which can be a potential cause of high creatinine levels. Therefore, the LDH test is important in assessing the extent of tissue injury and can provide additional information about the underlying condition contributing to the elevated creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine if the high creatinine level is due to uncontrolled diabetes. Elevated creatinine levels can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, and diabetes is a common cause of kidney damage. By measuring the random sugar level, healthcare professionals can assess the patient's glucose control and potentially identify the underlying cause of the high creatinine level.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance synthesized consistently within the body, undergoes complete filtration by the kidneys into the urine. In the event of impaired kidney function, for various causes, there is an elevation in creatinine levels. Consequently, the examination of creatinine serves as a valuable means to assess the efficiency of kidney performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.6?
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 6.6?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.6
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 11.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 10.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 10.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 10.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 9.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 8.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.84 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 6.6
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
