Creatinine 6.4 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.4 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 6.4 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-11T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.586+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.4 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.4 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.4 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.4 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.4?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.4?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.4?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.4?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally produced in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It is formed at a steady pace, meaning it is consistently created over time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by our muscle mass, which is why men tend to have higher levels of it compared to women. However, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are generally lower. In simple terms, serum creatinine is a byproduct that helps us understand the health and function of our muscles.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that measures the level of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to let your healthcare provider know about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they can affect the results. On the day of the test, you will be asked to sit or lie down while a healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from your arm. This blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory, where they will use special machines to measure the concentration of creatinine in your blood.
What does a creatinine of 6.4 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine value is 6.4 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat this on your own.3,4
What does a creatinine of 6.4 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 6.4 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis treatment. It is important not to try treating yourself and seek medical help immediately.3,4
Is creatinine 6.4 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 6.4 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.4 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.4 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 6.4 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.4?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various reasons such as dehydration, severe infection, or medication toxicity.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or enlarged prostate, preventing normal urine flow.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, usually caused by immune system disorders or infections.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder leading to the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, impairing their function.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue, often due to drug allergies, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by excessive protein loss in the urine, resulting in decreased kidney function.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Severe muscle injury leading to the release of toxic substances that can damage the kidneys.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A rare condition causing the destruction of red blood cells and kidney failure, often triggered by certain infections.
- Hypovolemia: Low blood volume due to dehydration, bleeding, or excessive fluid loss, which can impair kidney function.
If the creatinine value is below 1.02, it is within the normal limits.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.4?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps determine the balance of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the body, which can be affected by high levels of creatinine. Abnormal electrolyte levels could indicate kidney dysfunction and may require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it helps assess kidney function by measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. In cases of high creatinine levels like 6.4 mg/dl, the Blood Urea test can provide additional information about the efficiency of the kidneys in filtering waste products. Monitoring blood urea levels can aid in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of the amount of blood that is filtered by the kidneys in a minute. A creatinine level of 6.4 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment or kidney failure, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of kidney function and help determine the appropriate treatment and management plan for the patient.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it provides information about a person's average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is particularly relevant because high blood glucose levels can cause kidney damage, leading to increased creatinine levels. Monitoring HbA1c levels can help assess the effectiveness of diabetes management and the risk of complications such as kidney disease.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case because it helps determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. LDH levels can indicate tissue damage or injury, which could be a potential cause for the elevated creatinine. By measuring LDH levels, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into the underlying condition causing the high creatinine, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because a high creatinine level can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can lead to impaired glucose regulation. Random Sugar test can help determine if the elevated creatinine level is related to poorly controlled blood sugar levels, which may require further investigation and management. This test can help in identifying and addressing potential underlying conditions that may be contributing to both the high creatinine level and impaired glucose regulation.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized within the body at a steady pace, finds its way out through the renal filtration process, leaving no traces in the urine. However, when the kidney's functionality encounters disturbances, the levels of creatinine surge. Henceforth, creatinine serves as an exemplary means to assess the wellbeing of the kidney.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.4?
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 6.4?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.4
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 11.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 11.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 11.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 11.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 10.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 10.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 10.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 10.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 10.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 10.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 10.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 10.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 10.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 10.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 9.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 9.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 9.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 9.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 9.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 9.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 9.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 9.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 9.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 9.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 9.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 9.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 9.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 9.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 9.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 9.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 8.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 8.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 8.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 8.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 8.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 8.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 8.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 8.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 8.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 8.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 8.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 8.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 8.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 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 6.4
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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