Creatinine 6.7 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.7 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 6.7 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-11T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.680+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.7 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.7 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.7 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.7 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.7?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.7?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.7?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.7?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our body naturally produces as a result of a compound called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It serves as a byproduct of this compound. Interestingly, our body consistently generates serum creatinine at a stable rate, regardless of our activities or diet. However, the amount of serum creatinine in our blood can vary depending on factors like muscle mass. Generally, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while levels in pregnant women are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating a large amount of meat and certain medications to get accurate results. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where a machine called a spectrophotometer measures the concentration of creatinine in your blood. The results of this test can provide valuable information about your kidney health.
What does a creatinine of 6.7 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. However, if your creatinine level is 6.7 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is 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 6.7 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. A creatinine value of 6.7 mg/dl is considered life-threatening. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away for immediate medical attention and possibly dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 6.7 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 6.7 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.7 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.7 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.7 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 6.7 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.7?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, medication side effects, or urinary tract obstruction.
- Chronic kidney disease: Progressive damage to the kidneys over a long period, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, impairing their ability to remove waste and excess fluids.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, preventing the normal flow of urine and leading to kidney damage.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys, which can decrease kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing numerous fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
- Nephrotoxic medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain antibiotics, can damage the kidneys if used excessively or for prolonged periods.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney injury.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or vasculitis can cause inflammation in the kidneys, affecting their normal function.
- Severe dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.7?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it can help assess the kidney function and determine if there is an imbalance in electrolyte levels, which can be associated with a high creatinine level. It can provide crucial information about the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood, which can guide treatment decisions and monitor the overall health of the patient.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver during protein metabolism. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, and the Blood Urea test can help determine if the high creatinine is due to kidney dysfunction or other factors. It provides additional information to diagnose and monitor kidney disease and helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) 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 6.7 mg/dl indicates severe kidney dysfunction, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the degree of impairment and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term blood glucose control. It can help determine if the high creatinine level is due to poorly managed diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring HbA1c levels can help guide treatment and prevent further kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this scenario as it helps to assess kidney function and determine the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme found in various body tissues, including the kidneys. An elevated LDH level may indicate kidney damage or injury, providing valuable information for further diagnosis and treatment.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps assess the person's blood sugar levels at a specific moment, which is relevant in cases of high creatinine levels. High creatinine levels can be indicative of kidney dysfunction, and elevated blood sugar levels can further worsen kidney function. Therefore, monitoring blood sugar levels through the Random Sugar test is crucial for managing and preventing further complications in individuals with high creatinine levels.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical manufactured by the body consistently, gets entirely eliminated by the kidneys through urine filtration. When kidney function becomes compromised for various reasons, the levels of creatinine increase. Consequently, creatinine serves as an incredibly valuable means of assessing kidney performance. In other words, creatinine levels skyrocket when the kidneys aren't functioning properly, making it a crucial indicator to evaluate renal health.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.7?
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 6.7?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.7
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 10.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 10.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 10.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 9.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 9.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 8.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 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 6.7
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
