Creatinine 6.3 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.3 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 6.3 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-10T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.555+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.3 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.3 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.3 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.3 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.3?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.3?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.3?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.3?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies make as a result of the breakdown of creatine phosphate in our muscles. It's like a leftover product that our muscles produce constantly. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have - so, men usually have higher levels than women because they generally have more muscle mass. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower. So, by measuring the level of serum creatinine in our blood, doctors can get an idea of how much muscle we have and how well our kidneys are working.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple and common test that helps doctors assess how well our kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to let the doctor know about any medications or supplements we are taking, as they might affect the test results. On the day of the test, we need to be well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. In the lab, a small amount of our blood is drawn from a vein in our arm using a needle. This might feel like a quick pinch, but it is generally not painful. The blood sample is then sent to the lab, where the creatinine concentration is measured. This is done by using a special machine that can detect the levels of creatinine in the blood. The results of the test can help doctors determine if our kidneys are working properly or if there might be any kidney-related issues. It is important to discuss the results with our healthcare provider, who can provide further guidance and advice based on the test findings.
What does a creatinine of 6.3 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. A creatinine value of 6.3 mg/dl is considered very dangerous. It is highly 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 6.3 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55-1.02. If your creatinine value is 6.3 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away for immediate treatment, which may include dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 6.3 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 6.3 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.3 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.3 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.3 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 6.3 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.3?
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden and temporary decrease in kidney function, often caused by a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys or damage to the kidneys.
- Chronic kidney disease: A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, usually due to conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Dehydration: When the body doesn't have enough fluids, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and impaired kidney function.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or tumors, can cause creatinine levels to rise.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, which can impair their ability to filter waste products like creatinine.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain antibiotics, can affect kidney function and elevate creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: A condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which releases substances that can damage the kidneys and elevate creatinine levels.
- Heart failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, it can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys and impaired kidney function.
- Liver disease: Liver damage can affect the clearance of creatinine from the blood, leading to elevated levels.
- Infections: Severe infections, such as urinary tract infections or sepsis, can cause kidney damage and increase creatinine levels.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.3?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps to assess the kidney function and electrolyte balance. High levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, and the Serum Electrolytes test can determine if there is any associated electrolyte imbalance, which can have serious consequences on various bodily functions. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and preventing complications in patients with impaired kidney function.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product generated by the breakdown of proteins. A high level of blood urea indicates impaired kidney function, which can contribute to elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, the blood urea test can help diagnose and monitor kidney disease in individuals with high creatinine levels.
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 blood is filtered by the kidneys. A creatinine level of 6.3 mg/dl suggests severe kidney impairment, and the estimated GFR test can help determine the stage of kidney disease and guide appropriate treatment decisions. Monitoring the estimated GFR over time can also help track the progression of kidney disease and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this scenario as it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, providing valuable information about long-term glucose control. It helps identify if the high creatinine level is attributed to long-term uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and interventions to manage and prevent further complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps determine the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or injury, and in the context of renal dysfunction, it can help differentiate between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, LDH levels can provide information about the severity and prognosis of the kidney damage.
Random Sugar
A random sugar test is important in this case as a high creatinine level could indicate kidney dysfunction, which can lead to impaired glucose metabolism. This test helps determine if the elevated creatinine is due to underlying diabetes or impaired kidney function. The results can guide appropriate management and treatment decisions for the patient.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body at an unwavering pace, experiences total filtration by the kidney, expelled entirely through the urine. Should the kidney's functionality become compromised, whether from various causes, the levels of creatinine surge. Consequently, creatinine emerges as an exceedingly valuable means to assess the kidney's efficacy.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.3?
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 6.3?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.3
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 11.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 11.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 11.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 11.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 11.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 10.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 10.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 10.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 10.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 10.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 10.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 10.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 10.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 10.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 10.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 9.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 9.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 9.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 9.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 9.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 9.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 9.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 9.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 9.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 9.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 8.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 8.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 8.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 8.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 8.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 8.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 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 6.3
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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