Creatinine 4.4 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 4.4 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 4.4 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-07T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:32.960+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 4.4 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.4?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.4?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.4?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 4.4?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our body makes when our muscles work. It is formed as a leftover from a compound called creatine phosphate. This creatinine is produced by our body at a steady pace, and its levels can tell us about our muscle mass. Interestingly, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine compared to women, while pregnant women have lower levels. So, think of serum creatinine as a natural marker that tells us how much muscle we have, and how it can vary between different people and situations.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a common medical test used to measure the levels of creatinine in the blood. Before the test, it is important to follow pretest preparations, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting for a few hours. Once in the lab, a healthcare professional will take a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm. This sample will then be sent to the lab, where they will use a machine to measure the concentration of creatinine in the blood. This information helps doctors understand how well the kidneys are functioning and can help diagnose certain medical conditions.
What does a creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.73-1.18. If your creatinine level is 4.4 mg/dl, it is considered severe. It is important for you to go to the hospital right away. You may need to undergo dialysis, a procedure to clean your blood, and possibly a small sample taken from your kidney to determine the cause of the high creatinine. If it is found to be caused by a problem with your immune system, you may need medication to suppress it. You will also need to receive fluids through an IV. Other potential causes of high creatinine can include advanced kidney damage from diabetes or high blood pressure.3,4
What does a creatinine of 4.4 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine level is 4.4 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you might need dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 4.4 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 4.4 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 40 yrs | very high - dangerous, Consult a doctor immediately |
| 40yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 4.4 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 4.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 4.4 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 4.4 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 4.4?
- Renal failure: A condition in which the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste products from the blood.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to reduced kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Kidney infection: Infections in the kidneys can cause inflammation and impair their ability to filter waste.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary tract can prevent the normal flow of urine, leading to kidney dysfunction.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys can result in impaired filtration and increased creatinine levels.
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their filtration ability.
- Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters within the kidneys, can result in decreased filtration and elevated creatinine levels.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage and affect creatinine levels.
- Muscle damage: Extensive muscle breakdown, such as in rhabdomyolysis, can result in the release of creatinine into the bloodstream.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 4.4?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in assessing kidney function as it helps determine the levels of important electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction and may contribute to the high creatinine level. Monitoring electrolyte levels can aid in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
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. A high creatinine level indicates kidney dysfunction, and the blood urea test helps confirm this by assessing the kidneys' ability to filter and eliminate waste products, including urea. Therefore, combining the creatinine and blood urea tests provides a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is crucial in determining kidney function as it estimates the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys per minute. A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the eGFR test provides a more accurate assessment of overall kidney function, enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage kidney disease promptly.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months, providing a long-term assessment of glycemic control. This test can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is due to poorly controlled diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels with the help of the HbA1c test is crucial to prevent further complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this scenario because it helps evaluate kidney function and overall health. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate tissue damage or injury, which could be a potential cause for the high creatinine levels. Monitoring LDH levels alongside creatinine can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing kidney-related conditions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps to evaluate the patient's blood glucose levels at a specific moment, regardless of the time of their last meal. A high creatinine level could indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect glucose metabolism and lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, the Random Sugar test can help identify potential underlying causes of the increased creatinine level, such as diabetes or impaired kidney function.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that emerges consistently within the body, undergoes complete filtration by the kidney, departing through urine. When kidney function is compromised for any cause, creatinine levels escalate. Consequently, creatinine serves as a valuable technique to evaluate kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 4.4?
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 4.4?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 4.4
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 17.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 13.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 17.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 17.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 17.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 16.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 16.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 16.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 16.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 16.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 16.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 12.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 16.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 15.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 15.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 15.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 15.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 15.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 15.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 15.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 15.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 15.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 15.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 14.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 14.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 11.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 14.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 14.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 14.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 14.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 14.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 14.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 14.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 14.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 14.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 14.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 14.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 14.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 14.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 13.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 13.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 13.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 13.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 13.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 13.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 13.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 13.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 13.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 13.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 13.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 13.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 13.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 13.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 13.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 13.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 13.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 13.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 13.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 13.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 13.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 13.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 12.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 12.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 12.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 12.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 12.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 12.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 12.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 12.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 12.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 12.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 12.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 12.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 12.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 12.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.32 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 4.4
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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