Creatinine 6.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.8 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 6.8 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-11T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.711+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our body naturally makes when our muscles work. It's like a leftover product of a molecule called creatine phosphate that our muscles use for energy. The interesting thing about serum creatinine is that our body produces it at a steady rate, meaning it doesn't change much unless something is wrong. This substance is affected by the amount of muscle we have, so men usually have higher levels than women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are generally lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as they can affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory, where a machine called a spectrophotometer will measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. This test helps doctors assess kidney function and identify any potential issues.
Is creatinine 6.8 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 6.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.8 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 6.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.8?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various reasons such as dehydration, kidney infection, or blockage in the urinary tract.
- Chronic kidney disease: Gradual loss of kidney function over time, usually caused by conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, which can be due to kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, known as glomeruli, often caused by immune system disorders or infections.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in urine, often caused by kidney damage from diseases like diabetes or lupus.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, usually due to atherosclerosis, leading to decreased kidney function.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing harmful substances that can damage the kidneys, often caused by severe muscle injury or certain medications.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney enlargement and impaired function.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, leading to kidney injury, often triggered by bacterial infections.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, usually caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.8?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood, which can be affected by kidney dysfunction. Abnormal levels of electrolytes can have significant implications for various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and pH regulation. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in assessing the overall health and functioning of the kidneys and determining appropriate treatment options.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function by measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product that is filtered out by the kidneys, so an elevated level may indicate impaired kidney function. In conjunction with the creatinine level, the Blood Urea test can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of kidney health.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (eGFR) test is important because it provides an estimate of the kidney function based on the level of creatinine in the blood. A creatinine level of 6.8 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the eGFR can help determine the stage of chronic kidney disease and guide treatment decisions. Monitoring eGFR over time can also help assess the progression of kidney disease and the effectiveness of interventions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months, providing a long-term assessment of glycemic control. It is particularly relevant as high creatinine levels suggest possible kidney impairment, which can affect the accuracy of traditional blood sugar tests. The HbA1c test helps in monitoring and managing diabetes in such patients, aiding in treatment decisions and preventing complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case as it can help identify the cause of the elevated creatinine level. Elevated LDH levels can indicate muscle damage or breakdown, which could be a potential cause for the high creatinine level. Additionally, LDH levels can help differentiate between various conditions affecting the kidneys, such as acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this context because it measures the blood glucose levels at any given time, providing valuable information about a person's current blood sugar control. High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney dysfunction, and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, combining the Random Sugar test with the creatinine level helps assess both renal and glucose control, aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as diabetic nephropathy.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that emerges within the body unabated, undergoes complete filtration by the kidney, expelling it entirely through urine. However, if the kidney's performance falters for any cause, creatinine levels surge. Consequently, creatinine stands as an invaluable means of assessing the kidney's functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.8?
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 6.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 10.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 10.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 10.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 10.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 9.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 9.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 9.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.64 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 6.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
