Creatinine 5.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.5 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 5.5 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-09T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.307+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally make during the breakdown of creatine phosphate in our muscles. It is always being produced at a steady rate and serves as a helpful indicator of our kidney function. The amount of creatinine in our blood is influenced by our muscle mass, which is why men usually have higher levels than women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. So, doctors often measure this molecule to keep an eye on how well our kidneys are working and to ensure everything is running smoothly.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid eating large amounts of meat and certain medications that could affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory, where they will use a machine to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood. The results of this test can help your doctor evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning.
What does a creatinine of 5.5 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 5.5 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. 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
What does a creatinine of 5.5 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 5.5 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.5 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 5.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.5 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 5.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.5?
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden decrease in kidney function, often caused by dehydration, low blood flow to the kidneys, or certain medications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function, typically due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerulonephritis.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate, leading to impaired urine flow and increased creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli, often caused by immune system disorders or infections.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive urinary protein loss, resulting in decreased kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to reduced blood flow and impaired renal function.
- Interstitial Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect various organs, including the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and increased creatinine levels.
- Hepatorenal Syndrome: Kidney dysfunction that occurs as a complication of advanced liver disease, often due to circulatory disturbances in the liver.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.5?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in evaluating kidney function as it measures the levels of essential electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be imbalanced in patients with kidney dysfunction. Imbalances in these electrolytes can lead to various complications, including muscle weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological disturbances. Monitoring electrolyte levels helps guide appropriate treatment and management strategies for patients with high creatinine levels.
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 nitrogen indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering out urea from the blood. Therefore, a Blood Urea test can help in assessing the overall kidney health and function in individuals with high creatinine levels.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in this case because it measures the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood. A creatinine level of 5.5 mg/dl suggests severe kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function and help determine the appropriate treatment or intervention needed.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important for individuals with a creatinine level of 5.5 mg/dl as it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information about long-term diabetes control. It helps healthcare professionals assess the risk of complications associated with diabetes and determine appropriate treatment plans. Monitoring HbA1c levels regularly can aid in managing and adjusting medication or lifestyle interventions effectively.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case to evaluate kidney function as high levels of creatinine can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the kidneys, and elevated LDH levels may suggest kidney injury or impaired renal function. Therefore, the LDH test can provide additional information and help in diagnosing the underlying cause of the high creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the patient's blood glucose levels at any given time, providing information about their diabetes control. High creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect glucose regulation. Monitoring blood sugar levels with the Random Sugar test can aid in determining appropriate treatment options for the patient.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body, maintains a steady production pace. Remarkably, the kidney impeccably sieves out creatinine, expelling it entirely through urine. However, when the kidney's efficiency is compromised by various factors, the concentration of creatinine escalates. Consequently, the assessment of creatinine levels proves to be an invaluable technique for evaluating kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.5?
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 5.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 13.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 13.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 13.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 13.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 12.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 12.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 12.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 12.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 12.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 12.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 12.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 12.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 12.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 12.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 12.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 11.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 11.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 11.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 11.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 11.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 11.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 11.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 11.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 11.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 11.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 11.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 11.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 11.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 11.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 11.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 11.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 10.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 10.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 10.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 10.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 10.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 10.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 10.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 10.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 10.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 10.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 10.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 10.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 10.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 10.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 10.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 9.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 9.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 9.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 9.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 9.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 9.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 9.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 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 5.5
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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