Creatinine 6.9 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 6.9 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 6.9 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-12T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.743+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 6.9 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 6.9 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 6.9 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.9 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.9?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.9?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.9?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 6.9?
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 made consistently at a steady rate, meaning our bodies produce it all the time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have - men usually have more muscle than women, so they tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are generally lower. So, in a nutshell, serum creatinine is a byproduct of muscle activity that varies depending on factors like gender and pregnancy.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors measure the levels of creatinine in your body. Before the test, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect the results. On the day of the test, you may be asked to fast for a few hours or avoid certain foods to ensure accurate results. In the lab, the technician will take a small sample of your blood using a needle. This is usually done by gently inserting the needle into a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a special machine called a spectrophotometer. This machine measures the amount of creatinine present in the blood, which helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning. Overall, a serum creatinine lab test is a quick and painless way to determine the levels of creatinine in your body, providing valuable information about your kidney health.
What does a creatinine of 6.9 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 6.9 mg/dL, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
What does a creatinine of 6.9 mg/dl mean in women?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 6.9 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly recommended that you go to the hospital right away for immediate treatment, including possibly needing dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself without medical help.3,4
Is creatinine 6.9 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 6.9 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 6.9 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 6.9 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 6.9 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 6.9 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 6.9?
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): A sudden decrease in kidney function caused by various factors such as dehydration, medication side effects, or urinary tract obstruction.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function due to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain genetic disorders.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, which can result from infections, immune system disorders, or certain medications.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually originating from a urinary tract infection, causing inflammation and impaired kidney function.
- Obstructive uropathy: Blockage of the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate, leading to impaired urine flow and subsequent kidney damage.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A rare condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and the obstruction of blood vessels in the kidneys, often caused by certain strains of E. coli infection.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Breakdown of muscle tissue that releases harmful substances into the bloodstream, which can overload the kidneys and result in acute kidney injury.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A group of symptoms indicating kidney damage, including excessive protein in the urine, low levels of blood protein, high cholesterol, and swelling, often caused by various underlying conditions.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, typically due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow and potential kidney dysfunction.
- Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, which can progressively damage the kidneys if left untreated.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 6.9?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it measures the levels of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are crucial for maintaining the body's fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or other underlying health issues that may contribute to the elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help guide treatment decisions and prevent further complications.
Blood Urea
The Blood Urea test is important because it helps measure the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. Elevated levels of creatinine can suggest kidney dysfunction, and the Blood Urea test helps confirm this by measuring the waste product urea nitrogen. Monitoring urea levels can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of the filtration rate of the kidneys. A creatinine level of 6.9 mg/dl indicates severe impairment in kidney function, but eGFR can provide a more accurate assessment of the degree of impairment and help guide appropriate medical interventions. Monitoring eGFR over time is crucial in managing and treating kidney disease.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into long-term glycemic control. Given the high creatinine level, it is crucial to assess the patient's diabetes management as poorly controlled blood sugar can contribute to kidney damage. Monitoring HbA1c levels helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and adjusting therapies to prevent further complications.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case as it helps to evaluate kidney function and diagnose renal diseases. Elevated levels of LDH can indicate kidney damage or impaired renal function, which may be contributing to the high creatinine levels. Monitoring LDH levels can help in assessing the severity and progression of the renal condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case because it helps determine if the high creatinine level is due to uncontrolled diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys. Additionally, it can also indicate if there is impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes, which can further impact kidney function. Therefore, the Random Sugar test is essential in evaluating the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine level and guiding appropriate treatment.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that is manufactured consistently within the body, gets thoroughly sieved out by the kidneys into the pee. If the kidneys encounter any impediments, the levels of creatinine escalate. Consequently, evaluating creatinine levels proves highly advantageous in assessing the efficiency of kidney functionality.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 6.9?
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 6.9?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 6.9
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 10.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 10.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 10.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 10.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 10.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 9.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 9.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 9.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 9.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 9.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 9.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 9.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 9.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 9.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 9.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 9.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 9.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 9.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 9.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 9.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 8.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 8.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 8.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 8.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 8.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 8.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 8.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 8.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 8.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 8.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 8.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 8.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 8.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 8.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 8.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 8.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 7.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 7.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 7.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 7.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 7.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.55 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 6.9
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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