Creatinine 5.3 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.3 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 5.3 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-08T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.243+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.3 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.3 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.3 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.3 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.3?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.3?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.3?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.3?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is produced at a steady pace, meaning it is created at a constant rate. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by the amount of muscle we have – so people with more muscle tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine. Interestingly, men generally have higher levels of serum creatinine than women, while pregnant women tend to have lower levels compared to non-pregnant women.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Before taking the test, it's important to follow some pretest preparations. This includes avoiding certain medications, fasting for a few hours, and drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. During the lab test, a healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from your vein using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to the lab where it undergoes a process called spectrophotometry. In simple terms, this process involves shining a light through the sample and measuring how much light is absorbed by the creatinine molecules. Based on the amount of light absorbed, the lab technician can determine the concentration of creatinine in your blood. This measurement is important because it helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning. It's a quick and painless procedure that provides valuable information about your kidney health.
Is creatinine 5.3 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 5.3 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.3 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.3 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 5.3 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.3?
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function due to various causes such as dehydration, severe infection, or medication side effects.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis.
- Obstruction of the urinary tract: Blockages in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or tumors, can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacterial infection in the urinary system that can cause inflammation and affect kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Inherited disorder causing the growth of cysts in the kidneys, which can impair kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli), leading to impaired filtration and increased creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in urine, resulting in decreased kidney function.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, or chemotherapy drugs, can cause kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, affecting kidney function.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A rare condition where damaged red blood cells clog the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.3?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is crucial in determining the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can be affected by kidney function. A creatinine level of 5.3 mg/dl indicates impaired kidney function, and the Serum Electrolytes test can help identify any imbalances such as hyperkalemia or hyponatremia, which can have significant health consequences. Monitoring these electrolyte levels is essential for managing and treating kidney disease effectively.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important in this case because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product that forms when protein breaks down. Elevated levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, and the Blood Urea test helps to further assess kidney health by measuring the efficiency of urea excretion. Therefore, the Blood Urea test can provide additional information about kidney function and help diagnose the underlying cause of the high creatinine level.
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 they filter waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 5.3 mg/dl suggests significant kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function and help guide treatment decisions for conditions such as chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures a person's average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into long-term glucose control. For individuals with a creatinine level of 5.3 mg/dl, which suggests impaired kidney function, the HbA1c test becomes crucial as it can help monitor and manage their diabetes more effectively. Since kidney dysfunction can affect the accuracy of other blood glucose tests, such as fasting blood sugar or oral glucose tolerance test, the HbA1c test remains a reliable indicator of glycemic control in such cases.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it can help determine the cause and severity of kidney damage. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate acute kidney injury or renal tissue damage. Moreover, LDH levels can help monitor the progression of kidney disease and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important because it helps assess the patient's blood glucose level at any given time, providing immediate information on their glycemic control. In the case of a creatinine level of 5.3 mg/dl, a Random Sugar test can help determine if the elevated creatinine is due to poorly controlled diabetes, which could lead to kidney damage. This test is crucial in guiding appropriate treatment and monitoring the patient's condition.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical manufactured within the body at a steady pace, undergoes full filtration by the kidney, exiting the system through urine. When kidney function is hindered by various factors, the levels of creatinine ascend. Therefore, creatinine serves as an invaluable tool for assessing the efficiency of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.3?
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 5.3?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.3
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 14.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 14.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 13.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 13.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 13.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 13.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 13.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 13.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 13.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 12.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 12.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 12.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 12.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 12.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 12.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 12.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 12.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 12.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 12.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 11.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 11.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 11.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 11.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 11.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 11.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 11.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 11.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 11.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 11.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 11.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 11.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 11.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 11.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 11.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 11.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 11.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 10.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 10.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 10.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 10.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 10.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 10.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 10.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 10.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 10.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 10.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 10.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 10.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 10.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 10.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 10.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 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 5.3
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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