Creatinine 7.4 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 7.4 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 7.4 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-13T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:33.930+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 7.4 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 7.4 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 7.4 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.4 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.4?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.4?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.4?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 7.4?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally made in our bodies when our muscles work. It is formed as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate, which is found in our muscles. This creatinine is produced at a steady rate, meaning it keeps getting made in our bodies all the time. The amount of serum creatinine in our blood is influenced by the amount of muscle we have - this means that men generally have higher levels of it compared to women. Additionally, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine tend to be lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a common blood test used to measure the levels of creatinine in our body. Before the test, it is important to inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken, as some may affect the results. The lab technician will collect a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm, using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to the lab, where a machine called a spectrophotometer is used to measure the concentration of creatinine in the blood. This test helps doctors assess kidney function and detect any potential kidney problems.
What does a creatinine of 7.4 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 7.4 mg/dl, it is considered life threatening. It is very important that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis. Do not try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 7.4 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 7.4 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 7.4 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.4 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.4 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 7.4 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.4?
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function due to various factors such as dehydration, medication toxicity, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, usually caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Obstructive Uropathy: Blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract, which can lead to impaired kidney function and elevated creatinine levels.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys), often caused by immune system disorders or infections.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can affect kidney function and result in increased creatinine levels.
- Rhabdomyolysis: Breakdown of damaged muscle tissue, releasing substances that can damage the kidneys and cause elevated creatinine levels.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, kidney injury, and low platelet count, often caused by certain infections or toxins.
- Tubulointerstitial Disease: Damage to the tubules and interstitium of the kidneys, often due to medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A condition where excessive amounts of protein are lost through urine, leading to kidney damage and elevated creatinine levels.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Inherited disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and impaired function.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.4?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case to assess the patient's kidney function as high levels of creatinine indicate impaired kidney function. This test helps determine the levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can be imbalanced in kidney disease and affect various bodily functions. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial for managing and treating the patient's condition.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which can indicate kidney function. In combination with the creatinine test, it can help diagnose and monitor kidney disease. A high creatinine level coupled with an elevated blood urea level suggests impaired kidney function and the need for further evaluation and treatment.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR test is crucial in this case because it provides an estimate of kidney function by measuring the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the blood. A creatinine level of 7.4 mg/dL indicates severely impaired kidney function, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate assessment of the degree of impairment and help guide treatment decisions, including the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case because it provides information about a person's average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, helping to diagnose and monitor diabetes. With a creatinine level of 7.4 mg/dl, there may be a concern about kidney function, and diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. The HbA1c test can help assess the effectiveness of diabetes management and the risk of complications such as kidney damage.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this scenario as it helps assess kidney function and determine the cause of the elevated creatinine level. Elevated LDH levels can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, which may be contributing to the high creatinine level. Additionally, LDH levels can provide insights into the severity and prognosis of the kidney condition.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this scenario because it helps to evaluate a patient's blood glucose level at any given time, providing immediate results. High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney dysfunction, and it is crucial to assess the patient's blood sugar level to determine if diabetes is a contributing factor. This test can assist in diagnosing and managing the patient's condition promptly.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical synthesized by the body consistently, undergoes complete filtration by the kidney, resulting in its elimination through urine. However, if the kidney's performance is compromised for any cause, creatinine levels surge. Consequently, the examination of creatinine levels emerges as an invaluable technique to evaluate kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.4?
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 7.4?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 7.4
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 9.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 9.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 9.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 9.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 9.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 9.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 9.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 9.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 8.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 8.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 8.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 8.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 8.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 8.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 8.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 8.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 8.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 8.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 8.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 8.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 8.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 8.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 7.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 7.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 7.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 7.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 7.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 7.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 7.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 7.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 7.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 7.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 7.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 7.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 7.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 7.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 7.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 7.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 7.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 7.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 7.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 7.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 7.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 7.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 7.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 7.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 7.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 7.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 6.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 6.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 6.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 6.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 6.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.12 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 7.4
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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