Creatinine 3.0 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.0 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 3.0 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-04T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.518+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.0 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.0 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.0 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.0 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.0?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.0?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.0?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.0?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of breaking down creatine phosphate in our muscles. It's like a leftover product that our bodies get rid of. The interesting thing is that our bodies make serum creatinine at a steady pace, no matter what we're doing. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is connected to how much muscle we have. So, generally speaking, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine than women because they usually have more muscle mass. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower because the body is busy nurturing the baby instead of building up muscles. In a nutshell, serum creatinine is a natural byproduct that our bodies produce from muscle activity. It's produced at a consistent rate, and the amount in our blood depends on how much muscle we have. Men usually have higher levels of serum creatinine than women, while pregnancy tends to lower these levels.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors check 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 affect the test results. On the day of the test, a nurse or phlebotomist will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in our arm. In the lab, the blood sample is analyzed to measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product that our muscles produce. By comparing this concentration to normal ranges, doctors can determine if our kidneys are working properly or if there may be an underlying kidney problem.
What does a creatinine of 3.0 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.0 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to see a doctor right away for further advice. A specialist called a nephrologist should be consulted. The doctor will review any new medications you are taking, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. You may need treatment with medications that suppress the immune system, such as steroids. It is also possible that you will need fluids given through a vein to make sure you are properly hydrated. Other possible causes for the increase in creatinine could be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.0 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range of creatinine for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.0 mg/dl, it is considered moderate. It is important to see a doctor right away for advice. You may need to see a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. The doctor will review any new medications you are taking, as they could be causing the increase in creatinine. Treatment might include medications that suppress the immune system, like steroids. You may also need to receive fluids through an IV to make sure you are well-hydrated. Another possible cause of the high creatinine level could be advanced kidney damage from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.0 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 3.0 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.0 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.0 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 81 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 81yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.0 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 3.0 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.0?
If the creatinine value is above 1.02, here is a list of 10 possible causes along with a short description for each:
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like dehydration, infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, which can be caused by infections or autoimmune diseases.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A group of symptoms indicating kidney damage, including proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine) and edema (swelling).
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder leading to the growth of cysts in the kidneys, which can impair their function over time.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste effectively.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics, can cause elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition where damaged muscle tissue releases substances into the bloodstream, potentially affecting kidney function.
However, if the creatinine value is below 1.02, it is within the normal limits.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.0?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it can help determine if there is an imbalance in important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which could be contributing to the high creatinine levels. These imbalances can affect kidney function and overall health. Additionally, the test can provide valuable information about the patient's hydration status, as electrolyte levels are closely linked to fluid balance.
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. Elevated levels of blood urea indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting urea. Therefore, in the case of a creatinine level of 3.0 mg/dl, the blood urea test would help confirm if the elevated creatinine is due to kidney dysfunction.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important because it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are functioning by measuring the rate at which waste products are filtered from the blood. A creatinine level of 3.0 mg/dl suggests significant impairment in kidney function, and the Estimated GFR test can help determine the stage of kidney disease and guide appropriate treatment decisions. It is a valuable tool for monitoring kidney health and managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing information about long-term glucose control. It helps assess the risk and management of diabetes, which can have a significant impact on kidney health. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further deterioration of kidney function.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as kidney damage or muscle breakdown, which can both contribute to increased creatinine levels. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in evaluating the function of the kidneys as elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function. It is crucial to perform the Random Sugar test to assess for diabetes or uncontrolled blood sugar levels as high blood sugar can contribute to kidney damage. Early detection and management of diabetes can help prevent further kidney damage and complications.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance formed consistently within the body, gets entirely eliminated by the kidney through urine filtration. However, when kidney functionality is compromised for various causes, the levels of creatinine increase. Consequently, creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to assess the kidney's performance.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.0?
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 3.0?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.0
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 27.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 27.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 20.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 26.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 26.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 26.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 23 yrs | Male : 26.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 24 yrs | Male : 25.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 25 yrs | Male : 25.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 19.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 26 yrs | Male : 25.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 27 yrs | Male : 25.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 28 yrs | Male : 25.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 29 yrs | Male : 24.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 30 yrs | Male : 24.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 31 yrs | Male : 24.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 32 yrs | Male : 24.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 18.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 33 yrs | Male : 24.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 34 yrs | Male : 24.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 35 yrs | Male : 23.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 36 yrs | Male : 23.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 37 yrs | Male : 23.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 38 yrs | Male : 23.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 39 yrs | Male : 23.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 40 yrs | Male : 23.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 41 yrs | Male : 23.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 42 yrs | Male : 23.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 43 yrs | Male : 22.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 17.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 44 yrs | Male : 22.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 45 yrs | Male : 22.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 46 yrs | Male : 22.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 47 yrs | Male : 22.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 48 yrs | Male : 22.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 49 yrs | Male : 22.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 50 yrs | Male : 22.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 51 yrs | Male : 22.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 52 yrs | Male : 22.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 53 yrs | Male : 22.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 54 yrs | Male : 21.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 55 yrs | Male : 21.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 56 yrs | Male : 21.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 57 yrs | Male : 21.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 58 yrs | Male : 21.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 16.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 59 yrs | Male : 21.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 60 yrs | Male : 21.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 61 yrs | Male : 21.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 62 yrs | Male : 21.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 63 yrs | Male : 21.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 64 yrs | Male : 21.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 65 yrs | Male : 21.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 66 yrs | Male : 21.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 67 yrs | Male : 20.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 68 yrs | Male : 20.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 69 yrs | Male : 20.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 70 yrs | Male : 20.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 71 yrs | Male : 20.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 72 yrs | Male : 20.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 73 yrs | Male : 20.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 74 yrs | Male : 20.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 75 yrs | Male : 20.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 76 yrs | Male : 20.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 77 yrs | Male : 20.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 78 yrs | Male : 20.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 79 yrs | Male : 20.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 80 yrs | Male : 20.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 81 yrs | Male : 20.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 20.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 20.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 20.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 19.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 19.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 19.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 19.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 19.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 19.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 19.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 19.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 19.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 19.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 19.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.5 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 3.0
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
Reviewed By - Dr.Bhargav Raut
Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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