Creatinine 5.6 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 5.6 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 5.6 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-09T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.338+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 5.6 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 5.6 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 5.6 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.6 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.6?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.6?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.6?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 5.6?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies naturally produce as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is created at a steady pace, meaning it is made consistently in our bodies. The levels of serum creatinine can vary depending on the amount of muscle we have - generally, men tend to have higher levels compared to women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test used to measure the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some drugs can affect the creatinine levels. On the day of the test, you will be asked to provide a small blood sample, usually taken from a vein in your arm. In the lab, the blood sample is processed to separate the serum, which is the liquid part of the blood. Then, a special machine is used to measure the concentration of creatinine in the serum, giving your healthcare provider valuable information about your kidney function.
What does a creatinine of 5.6 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is 0.55-1.02. A creatinine value of 5.6 mg/dl is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away for immediate medical attention, and you may require dialysis. Please do not attempt to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 5.6 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 5.6 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 5.6 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 5.6 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 5.6 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 5.6 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 5.6?
- Acute kidney injury: This can be caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, kidney infections, or urinary blockages.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys due to conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can lead to elevated creatinine levels.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can concentrate the blood, leading to higher creatinine levels.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockages in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or tumors, can impair normal kidney function and result in elevated creatinine.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, known as glomeruli, can cause impaired kidney function and increased creatinine levels.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss through the urine, which can lead to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury or breakdown, often due to trauma or certain medications, can result in the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream, leading to kidney damage and elevated creatinine.
- Pyelonephritis: A bacterial infection of the kidneys can cause inflammation and impair kidney function, resulting in increased creatinine levels.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which can eventually lead to kidney failure and elevated creatinine levels.
- Tubular necrosis: Damage to the tubules within the kidneys, often due to toxins or certain medications, can result in impaired kidney function and increased creatinine.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 5.6?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can be affected by kidney dysfunction. Creatinine is a waste product eliminated by the kidneys, and a high level like 5.6 mg/dl suggests impaired kidney function. The Serum Electrolytes test can provide additional information about electrolyte imbalances, which may further aid in diagnosing and managing the underlying condition.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important in this case because it measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver during protein metabolism. By measuring blood urea levels, it can provide information about kidney function, as high levels may indicate impaired kidney function or dehydration. This test, combined with the creatinine test, can help diagnose and monitor kidney diseases.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is crucial because it provides an estimate of kidney function, helping to assess the severity of kidney damage or disease. A creatinine level of 5.6 mg/dl indicates a significantly impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of the filtration rate, aiding in the diagnosis and management of kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important because it measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months, providing a better understanding of long-term blood sugar control. It is specifically beneficial in evaluating diabetes management and detecting potential complications, such as kidney damage, which can be indicated by high creatinine levels. Therefore, the HbA1c test can help assess the effectiveness of treatment plans and guide necessary adjustments to prevent further complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps determine whether the high creatinine level is due to kidney dysfunction or other factors such as muscle damage. Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage, which can help differentiate between various causes of kidney dysfunction. This information is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps evaluate the patient's blood sugar level at any given time, providing insights into their overall glucose control. High levels of creatinine may indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect blood sugar regulation. Monitoring random sugar levels can help determine if there is any correlation between elevated creatinine levels and abnormal glucose metabolism.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical naturally synthesized within the body, maintains a consistent production rate. The kidneys diligently eliminate creatinine in its entirety through the urine. However, when the kidney's performance is compromised for various reasons, the levels of creatinine escalate. Consequently, creatinine serves as an invaluable means to assess the functionality of the kidneys. In a nutshell, monitoring creatinine levels proves exceedingly beneficial in evaluating kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 5.6?
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 5.6?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 5.6
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 13.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 13.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 13.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 12.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 12.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 12.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 12.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 12.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 12.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 12.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 12.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 12.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 11.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 11.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 11.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 11.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 11.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 11.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 11.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 11.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 11.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 11.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 11.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 11.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 11.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 11.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 10.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 10.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 10.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 10.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 10.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 10.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 10.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 10.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 10.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 10.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 10.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 10.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 10.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 10.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 10.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 10.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 10.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 10.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 10.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 10.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 10.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 10.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 9.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 9.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 9.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 9.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 9.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 9.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 9.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 9.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 9.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 9.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 9.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 9.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.06 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 5.6
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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