Creatinine 7.8 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 7.8 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 7.8 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-13T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:34.057+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 7.8 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 7.8 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 7.8 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.8 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.8?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.8?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.8?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 7.8?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that our bodies make as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It's like a leftover product that our body produces all the time at a steady rate. The level of serum creatinine in our blood depends on how much muscle we have, so it tends to be higher in men compared to women. Interestingly, during pregnancy, the level of serum creatinine is actually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
The serum creatinine lab test is a common medical procedure that helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are functioning. Before the test, you may be asked to refrain from eating certain foods or taking specific medications to ensure accurate results. During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood using a needle. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory, where a machine measures the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by your muscles, in your blood. The results of this test can help your doctor identify any kidney problems or monitor the progress of an existing condition.
What does a creatinine of 7.8 mg/dl mean in men?
A normal creatinine level for women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 7.8 mg/dl, it is considered life-threatening. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away for immediate medical attention, and you may need dialysis. It is important not to try treating yourself.3,4
What does a creatinine of 7.8 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. If your creatinine level is 7.8 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is strongly advised that you go to the hospital right away. You may need to be admitted and possibly receive dialysis treatment. It is important not to try to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 7.8 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 7.8 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 7.8 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 7.8 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 7.8 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 7.8 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 7.8?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to injury, infection, or medication.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys leading to reduced function.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake causing reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Blockage in the urinary tract preventing proper urine flow.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, impairing their function.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition where the kidneys leak excessive protein, leading to kidney damage.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, reducing their function.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing the growth of cysts in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.
- Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Medication-induced nephrotoxicity: Certain medications can damage the kidneys, impairing their function.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 7.8?
Serum Electrolytes
The Serum Electrolytes test is important in this case because it helps determine the levels of essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can affect kidney function and contribute to the elevated creatinine levels. Monitoring electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing the underlying cause of the high creatinine.
Blood Urea
The blood urea test is important because it measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a waste product produced by the liver. High levels of blood urea indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting urea. Therefore, in this case, the blood urea test would help confirm and provide additional information about the impaired kidney function suggested by the high creatinine level.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) test is crucial in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 7.8 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of kidney function by taking into account factors such as age, sex, and race. This information is essential for diagnosing kidney disease, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions.
HBA1C
The HbA1c test is important in this case as it measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months and can help diagnose and monitor diabetes. High levels of HbA1c indicate poor blood sugar control, which can contribute to kidney damage and worsen renal function. Monitoring HbA1c levels can guide treatment decisions and help prevent further complications in patients with elevated creatinine levels.
LDH
The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test is important in this case as it helps evaluate kidney function and determine the cause of the high creatinine level. Elevated LDH levels could indicate kidney damage or dysfunction. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information to aid in the diagnosis and management of the underlying condition contributing to the increased creatinine level.
Random Sugar
The Random Sugar test is important in this case as it helps in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Diabetes can lead to kidney damage, which is reflected in the elevated creatinine levels. The Random Sugar test helps in determining if the high creatinine levels are due to uncontrolled diabetes and guides appropriate management.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a chemical that is generated within the body at a consistent pace, gets sieved out entirely by the kidney during the process of urination. In the event that kidney functionality becomes impaired for any given cause, the levels of creatinine escalate. Consequently, creatinine serves as an exceptionally valuable technique for examining the efficacy of renal function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 7.8?
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 7.8?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 7.8
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 9.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 8.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 8.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 8.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 8.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 8.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 8.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 8.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 8.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.26 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 8.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 8.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 8.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 8.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 8.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 8.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 8.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 7.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 7.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 7.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 7.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 7.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 7.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 7.66 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 7.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 7.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 7.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 7.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 7.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 7.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 7.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 7.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 7.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.36 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 7.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.32 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 7.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 7.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 7.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 7.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 7.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 6.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 6.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 6.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 6.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 6.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 6.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.09 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 6.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 6.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 6.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 6.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 6.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 6.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 6.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.96 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 6.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 6.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 6.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.86 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 6.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 6.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.81 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 7.8
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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