Creatinine 3.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.8 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 3.8 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-05T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.769+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies create as a leftover when our muscles use up a molecule called creatine phosphate. It's pretty interesting because our bodies make it at a steady pace, so the amount of serum creatinine we have in our blood can tell us about our muscle health. The level of serum creatinine depends on how much muscle we have, which is why men usually have higher levels than women. It's also worth noting that during pregnancy, the amount of serum creatinine tends to be lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a common medical test that helps doctors evaluate the health of your kidneys. Before the test, you may be asked to avoid eating large amounts of meat and certain medications to ensure accurate results. During the test, a small sample of your blood will be collected by a healthcare professional. In the lab, they will measure the amount of creatinine, a waste product produced by your muscles, in your blood to determine how well your kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.8 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need to have dialysis to help your kidneys function better. The doctors may also need to do a small test on your kidney to understand why this is happening. If they find that your immune system is causing the issue, you may need medication to suppress it. They will also give you fluids through an IV. Other reasons for high creatinine can be advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.8 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need to have dialysis, which is a treatment that helps clean your blood. The doctors may also need to do a small test on your kidney to find out why your creatinine level is so high. If they find that your immune system is causing the problem, you may need medication to suppress it. They will also give you fluids through a vein to help your body. High creatinine levels can be caused by advanced kidney damage from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.8 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 3.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 92 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 92yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.8 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 3.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.8?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function due to factors like dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or certain medications.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Kidney infection: Bacterial infection in the kidneys leading to inflammation and impaired kidney function.
- Obstructive uropathy: Blockage in the urinary tract, preventing the normal flow of urine and causing kidney damage.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A group of symptoms caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to increased protein in urine, swelling, and elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys), resulting in impaired kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Hypovolemia: Low blood volume due to dehydration, bleeding, or fluid loss, leading to decreased blood flow to the kidneys and reduced filtration.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury or breakdown releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream, which can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Nephrotoxic medications: Certain medications or toxins can directly damage the kidneys and impair their function, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder causing the growth of multiple cysts in the kidneys, gradually impairing their function and elevating creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.8?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in evaluating kidney function as it measures the levels of various electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, in the blood. Imbalances in these electrolytes can occur due to impaired kidney function, which can be indicated by a high creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels helps in diagnosing and managing kidney disease and preventing complications.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product generated by the liver. Elevated levels of blood urea indicate impaired kidney function, suggesting that the high creatinine level may be due to kidney dysfunction rather than other factors. Therefore, the Blood Urea test helps in confirming and further evaluating the cause of the high creatinine level.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (eGFR) test is important in evaluating kidney function, as it provides an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on the creatinine level. A creatinine of 3.8 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the eGFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney disease and help guide treatment decisions. It is a crucial tool in monitoring and managing patients with kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, helping to assess long-term glycemic control. It is particularly vital for individuals with a creatinine level of 3.8 mg/dl as it can help determine if the elevated creatinine is due to uncontrolled diabetes and guide appropriate management strategies. Additionally, the HbA1c test is useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment interventions and guiding adjustments to achieve better glycemic control.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause of the high creatinine level. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as kidney damage, muscle breakdown, and certain cancers. By measuring LDH, healthcare providers can gain further insight into the underlying condition leading to the elevated creatinine level and tailor appropriate treatment accordingly.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps determine the level of glucose in the blood at any given time. High levels of creatinine, such as 3.8 mg/dl, can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can help identify if the elevated creatinine levels are related to impaired glucose metabolism.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized in the body with unwavering consistency, is diligently excreted by the kidneys in its entirety through urine filtration. Should the kidney's efficacy be compromised by any means, creatinine levels experience an upward surge. Hence, creatinine serves as an invaluable tool to assess the proficiency of kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.8?
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 3.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 20.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 20.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 20 yrs | Male : 20.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 21 yrs | Male : 20.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 22 yrs | Male : 20.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 19.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 19.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 19.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 19.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 19.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 19.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 18.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 18.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 18.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 18.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 18.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 18.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 18.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 18.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 18.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 17.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 17.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 17.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 17.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 17.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 17.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 17.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 17.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 17.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 17.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 17.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 17.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 16.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 16.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 16.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 16.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 16.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 16.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 16.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 16.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 16.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 16.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 16.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 16.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 16.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 16.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 16.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 16.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 15.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 15.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 15.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 15.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 15.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 15.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 15.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 15.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 15.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 15.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 15.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 15.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 15.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 15.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 15.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 15.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 15.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 15.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 15.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 15.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 15.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 15.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 15.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 14.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 14.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 14.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 14.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.04 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 3.8
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
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Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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