Creatinine 7.1 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 7.1 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 7.1 is dangerous, good or bad.
Published Date : 2023-07-12T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.806+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 7.1 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.1?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.1?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.1?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 7.1?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of the breakdown of creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. It is made at a steady rate, meaning it is consistently present in our blood. The amount of serum creatinine in our bodies depends on how much muscle mass we have, which is why it tends to be higher in men compared to women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower. So, in simple terms, serum creatinine is a byproduct of muscle activity that varies depending on factors like gender and pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple procedure to measure the amount of creatinine in your blood, which helps evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some can affect the results. On the day of the test, you will have a small amount of blood drawn from your arm. This blood sample is then sent to the lab, where technicians use special machines to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. This test is a valuable tool for doctors to assess kidney health and determine if any further treatment or monitoring is necessary.
What does a creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. A creatinine value of 7.1 mg/dl is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended to go to the hospital right away for immediate treatment, and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself at home.3,4
What does a creatinine of 7.1 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 7.1 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try and treat this on your own.3,4
Is creatinine 7.1 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 7.1 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 7.1 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.1 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.1 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 7.1 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.1?
- Acute kidney injury: This occurs when there is a sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by dehydration, certain medications, or a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, the glomeruli, can cause impaired kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in urine, resulting in kidney damage and increased creatinine levels.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue, often caused by an allergic reaction to medications or infections, can impair kidney function and cause elevated creatinine levels.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys can reduce blood flow and impair kidney function, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Pyelonephritis: A severe kidney infection that can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: 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 7.1?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important because it measures the levels of essential minerals in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which may be the cause of the elevated creatinine level. Monitoring electrolytes can help guide treatment decisions and prevent complications associated with kidney dysfunction.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. In this case, with a high creatinine level of 7.1 mg/dl, the Blood Urea test can help determine if the elevated creatinine is due to kidney dysfunction or other factors. Additionally, the Blood Urea test can provide valuable information about the overall health of the kidneys and help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Estimated GFR
The estimated GFR test is important because it helps determine how well the kidneys are functioning by estimating the glomerular filtration rate. A creatinine level of 7.1 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the estimated GFR test provides a more accurate assessment of kidney function, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney disease. The test helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding treatment options and monitoring the progression of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information about long-term glucose control. This test is particularly crucial for individuals with high creatinine levels, as it helps monitor their diabetes management and assess the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Regular HbA1c monitoring is essential for guiding treatment decisions and maintaining optimal health in such cases.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH is an enzyme found in various tissues, and elevated levels can indicate tissue damage or cell death. By measuring LDH levels, healthcare professionals can gather additional information to assist in diagnosing and treating the underlying condition leading to the high creatinine levels.
Random Sugar
A Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine the individual's blood glucose level at the time of testing, which can be useful in assessing their overall kidney function. High blood glucose levels can contribute to kidney damage, so monitoring sugar levels can provide valuable information for managing and preventing further kidney complications. Additionally, abnormal sugar levels may indicate the presence of diabetes, a condition that can further impact kidney health.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within our bodies at a steady pace, is entirely eliminated from the system through the kidneys. Should the kidney's performance be hindered for any cause, creatinine levels will ascend. Consequently, the evaluation of creatinine proves to be a highly valuable technique for assessing renal function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.1?
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 7.1?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 7.1
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 10.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 9.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 9.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 8.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 7.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 7.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.37 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 7.1
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
