Creatinine 4.2 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.2 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 4.2 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-06T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.896+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.2 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.2 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.2 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.2 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.2?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.2?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.2?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.2?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies when our muscles work. It is produced as a result of creatine phosphate, which is like a fuel for our muscles. The amount of serum creatinine made by our body stays the same all the time, which means it is produced at a constant rate. However, the level of serum creatinine can differ from person to person, depending on how much muscle they have. Generally, men have higher levels than women, while pregnant women tend to have lower levels.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess kidney function. To prepare for the test, you may need to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a needle. This blood sample will be sent to a lab where the creatinine concentration will be measured. The lab technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to determine the level of creatinine in your blood, which helps the doctor evaluate how well your kidneys are working.
What does a creatinine of 4.2 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.2 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need to receive dialysis, which is a treatment that helps your kidneys filter waste from your blood. The doctors may also need to do a small biopsy on your kidney to find out the cause of the high creatinine level. 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 of high creatinine can be kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 4.2 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.2 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 4.2 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 4.2 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 52 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 52yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.2 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.2 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.2 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 4.2 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.2?
- Dehydration: Dehydration can cause an increase in creatinine levels as it reduces the fluid volume in the body, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Chronic kidney disease: This condition causes a gradual loss of kidney function, resulting in elevated creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: When there is a blockage in the urinary tract, it can prevent the normal flow of urine and lead to increased creatinine levels.
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like severe infections, dehydration, or certain medications, can cause a significant rise in creatinine levels.
- Diabetic nephropathy: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to increased creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: This is a condition characterized by inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, which can result in impaired kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: In this genetic disorder, cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually affecting their function and causing higher creatinine levels.
- High meat consumption: Consuming excessive amounts of meat can increase creatinine levels as meat contains a compound called creatine, which is converted to creatinine during metabolism.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or some antibiotics, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Excessive exercise: Intense physical activity, especially if accompanied by inadequate hydration, can lead to temporary spikes in creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.2?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps determine the levels of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can be further evaluated by a creatinine test. Monitoring electrolyte balance is crucial for maintaining proper kidney function and overall health.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates the efficiency of kidney function. Elevated creatinine levels, like 4.2 mg/dl, suggest impaired kidney function, and the blood urea test helps confirm this by measuring the amount of urea, a waste product filtered by the kidneys, in the blood. Monitoring urea levels can help diagnose and manage kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (eGFR) test is important because it provides an estimate of kidney function, which can help diagnose and monitor kidney disease. A creatinine level of 4.2 mg/dL indicates significant impairment of kidney function, but the eGFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the severity of kidney damage and help guide appropriate treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It helps in assessing long-term glycemic control and can provide valuable information about the patient's diabetes management. With a high creatinine level, the HbA1c test can help determine if the elevated blood sugar is due to uncontrolled diabetes or kidney dysfunction.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can be elevated in conditions such as kidney damage, muscle injury, or certain cancers, which can all contribute to increased creatinine levels. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing the patient's condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps determine if the high creatinine level is due to diabetes-related kidney problems. High levels of creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function, and diabetes is a common cause of kidney disease. The Random Sugar test measures blood glucose levels, which can help identify if uncontrolled diabetes is contributing to the elevated creatinine level.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical naturally produced in the body, maintains a steady pace. In the event of kidney impairment, regardless of the cause, creatinine levels experience an upward surge as the kidney fails to effectively eliminate it through urine. Consequently, the measurement of creatinine presents itself as an invaluable means of assessing renal functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.2?
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 4.2?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.2
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 18.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 18.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 18.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 18.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 17.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 17.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 17.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 17.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 17.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 17.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 16.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 16.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 16.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 16.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 16.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 16.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 16.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 16.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 16.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 16.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 15.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 15.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 15.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 15.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 15.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 15.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 15.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 15.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 15.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 15.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 15.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 15.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 14.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 14.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 14.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 14.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 14.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 14.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 14.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 14.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 14.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 14.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 14.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 14.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 14.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 14.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 14.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 14.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 14.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 14.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 14.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 14.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 13.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 13.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 13.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 13.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 13.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 13.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 13.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 13.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 13.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 13.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 13.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 13.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 13.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 13.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 13.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 13.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 13.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 13.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 13.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 13.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 13.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.83 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 4.2
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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