Creatinine 3.9 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 3.9 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 3.9 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-06T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.801+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 3.9 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.9?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.9?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.9?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 3.9?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally make as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. It's important to note that this production happens at a steady pace, meaning the amount of serum creatinine in our blood remains relatively constant over time. However, the level of serum creatinine can vary from person to person depending on their muscle mass. In general, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while levels may be lower during pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess the health of your kidneys. Before the test, it's important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking, as they can affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, where the creatinine concentration is measured. The lab uses special machines to analyze the sample and provide your doctor with the necessary information to evaluate your kidney function.
What does a creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 3.9 mg/dL, it is considered to be severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need to undergo dialysis, a medical procedure that helps filter your blood. The doctors may also need to take a small sample from your kidney to find out the cause of the high creatinine level. If it is determined that your immune system is causing the issue, you may need medication to suppress it. Additionally, you will likely receive fluids through an IV. Other potential causes of high creatinine include advanced kidney damage due to diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 3.9 mg/dl, it is considered very high and classified as severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You might need to receive dialysis, a procedure that helps filter your blood, and possibly have a small sample taken from your kidney to determine the cause. If the cause is related to your immune system, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through an IV. Other possible causes include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
Is creatinine 3.9 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 3.9 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 79 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 79yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 3.9 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 3.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 3.9 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 3.9 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 3.9?
- Chronic kidney disease: A creatinine level above 1.02 may indicate the presence of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys are unable to filter waste products effectively.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden kidney damage or injury can lead to an elevated creatinine level above 1.02.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can concentrate the blood, resulting in higher creatinine levels.
- Obstruction of urinary tract: Blockages in the urinary tract can impair the normal flow of urine, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract infection: Infections in the urinary tract can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and raise creatinine levels.
- High protein intake: Excessive consumption of protein-rich foods can increase the workload on the kidneys, resulting in higher creatinine levels.
- Muscle injury or rhabdomyolysis: Conditions that cause muscle breakdown, such as severe trauma or muscle diseases, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Heart failure: Impaired heart function can cause inadequate blood flow to the kidneys, leading to higher creatinine levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nephrons in the kidneys, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 3.9?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps assess the balance of important minerals in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which could be contributing to the high creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment and prevent 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 produced by the liver. Elevated levels of urea indicate impaired kidney function, which could be the underlying cause of the high creatinine level. Monitoring both creatinine and blood urea levels helps in assessing kidney health and determining appropriate treatment options.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function as it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli per minute. A creatinine level of 3.9 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test provides a more accurate measurement of the extent of kidney damage and helps guide treatment decisions for patients with 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. It helps in determining if the high creatinine level is due to long-term uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring HbA1c levels is crucial in managing diabetes effectively and preventing complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps assess kidney function and determine the cause of elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme found in various organs, including the kidneys. Elevated LDH levels may indicate kidney damage or disease, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps evaluate the blood glucose level at any given time, providing useful information about a person's blood sugar control. In the case of a creatinine level of 3.9 mg/dl, the Random Sugar test can help determine if the elevated creatinine is due to uncontrolled diabetes, which can cause kidney damage. Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for managing and preventing complications associated with high creatinine levels.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical generated within the body with unwavering regularity, is entirely eliminated by the kidney through urination. When the kidney's performance is compromised for various reasons, the levels of creatinine surge. Consequently, creatinine serves as an invaluable means to assess kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 3.9?
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 3.9?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 3.9
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 20.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 15.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G4 : Severely Decreased |
| 19 yrs | Male : 20.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 19.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 19.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 19.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 19.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 19.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 18.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 14.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 18.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 18.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 18.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 18.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 18.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 18.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 18.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 17.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 17.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 17.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 17.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 17.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 17.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 17.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 17.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 17.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 16.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 16.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 16.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 16.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 16.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 16.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 16.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 16.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 16.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 16.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 16.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 16.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 16.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 16.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 15.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 15.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 15.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 15.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 15.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 15.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 15.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 15.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 15.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 15.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 15.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 15.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 15.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 15.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 15.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 15.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 15.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 15.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 15.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 14.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 14.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 14.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 14.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 14.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 14.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 14.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 14.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 14.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 14.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 14.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 14.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 14.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 14.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 14.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 14.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.71 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 3.9
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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