Creatinine 8.5 mg/dl means : causes, treatment, GFR calculation
In this article we discuss what a creatinine value of 8.5 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 8.5 is dangerous, good or bad.Published Date : 2023-07-15T00:31:57.337Z
Updated Date : 2024-04-11T19:29:34.279+05:30
Table of Contents
What is Creatinine?
How is creatinine measured?
What does a creatinine of 8.5 mg/dl mean in men?
What does a creatinine of 8.5 mg/dl mean in women?
Is creatinine 8.5 dangerous?
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 8.5 mg/dl normal?
What could cause a creatinine level of 8.5?
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 8.5?
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 8.5?
What is my GFR if my creatinine level is 8.5?
References
Recommended Tests
What is Creatinine?
Serum creatinine is a substance that is naturally created in our bodies as a result of a chemical called creatine phosphate found in our muscles. It's like a leftover or waste product that gets released into our blood. The interesting thing is that our body produces this substance at a steady rate, so we always have some of it in our blood. However, the amount of serum creatinine can vary depending on how much muscle we have. Generally, men tend to have higher levels of serum creatinine than women because they usually have more muscle. Also, during pregnancy, the levels of serum creatinine are usually lower.1
How is creatinine measured?
A serum creatinine lab test is a simple blood test that helps doctors assess how well the kidneys are functioning. Before the test, it is important to inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken, as certain substances can affect the results. On the day of the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm using a needle. This blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory where a machine called a spectrophotometer will measure the concentration of creatinine, a waste product produced by muscles, in the blood. By analyzing the creatinine level, doctors can determine if the kidneys are working properly or if there may be a potential kidney problem.
What does a creatinine of 8.5 mg/dl mean in men?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.73 and 1.18. If your creatinine level is 8.5 mg/dl, it is considered very dangerous. It is highly recommended that you go to the hospital right away and you may need dialysis treatment. Do not try to treat yourself with medication.3,4
What does a creatinine of 8.5 mg/dl mean in women?
The normal range for creatinine in women is between 0.55 and 1.02. When the creatinine value is 8.5 mg/dl, it is considered life threatening. It is strongly advised to seek immediate hospital admission and possibly dialysis. You should go to a hospital right away and avoid trying to treat yourself.3,4
Is creatinine 8.5 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 8.5 in male across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 8.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
Table of danger posed by Creatinine 8.5 in female across different ages
| Age Group | Is Creatinne of 8.5 dangerous? |
|---|---|
| 25yrs - 95 yrs | very dangerous, Get immediate medical advice and treatment. |
What is the normal range and is a creatinine of 8.5 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 8.5 is considered abnormal.
What could cause a creatinine level of 8.5?
- Acute kidney injury: Sudden loss of kidney function due to various reasons like dehydration, medication side effects, urinary tract obstruction, or reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
- Chronic kidney disease: Long-term damage to the kidneys, usually caused by conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain autoimmune disorders.
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.
- Nephrotic syndrome: A kidney disorder characterized by excessive protein excretion in the urine, resulting in low blood protein levels and edema.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli), often caused by immune system abnormalities or infections.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacterial infection affecting the urinary system, which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.
- Polycystic kidney disease: Inherited disorder causing the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time.
- Interstitial nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures, often caused by medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Obstructive uropathy: Blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors, preventing normal urine flow and causing kidney damage.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction.
What other tests should be done if creatinine level is 8.5?
Serum Electrolytes
A creatinine level of 8.5 mg/dl indicates severe kidney dysfunction. The Serum Electrolytes test is important as it helps evaluate the balance of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the body, which can be altered in kidney disease. Abnormalities in electrolyte levels can have significant impacts on various bodily functions and require prompt intervention to prevent complications.
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 during protein metabolism. High levels of blood urea suggest impaired kidney function, as they are responsible for filtering and eliminating urea from the body. Therefore, the blood urea test helps in assessing kidney health and determining the severity of kidney disease.
Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) test is important in assessing kidney function as it provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A creatinine level of 8.5 mg/dl indicates severe kidney impairment, but the Estimated GFR test can provide a more accurate measure of kidney function and help determine the appropriate treatment or intervention needed. It is a crucial tool in diagnosing and monitoring 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 information about long-term glucose control. It is crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes as high levels indicate poor blood sugar control, which can lead to kidney damage. In this scenario, the HBA1C test could help assess the impact of elevated creatinine levels on blood sugar control and guide appropriate treatment.
LDH
The LDH test is important in this case because it helps determine the cause of the elevated creatinine levels. LDH is an enzyme that is released when cells are damaged or destroyed, so a high LDH level could indicate kidney damage or injury. Therefore, the LDH test can provide valuable information about the underlying condition causing the high creatinine levels.
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. If the Random Sugar test results are elevated, it suggests that the high creatinine level may be a result of poorly controlled blood sugar levels. This information can guide treatment decisions and help manage the underlying cause of the elevated creatinine levels.
What is the relation between creatinine and kidney function?
Creatinine, a substance that arises within the body at an unwavering pace, is entirely eliminated from the system through the filtration process of the kidney, leaving no trace in the urine. However, should the kidney's performance be compromised for various causes, the levels of creatinine experience an upward surge. Hence, measuring creatinine serves as a highly valuable means to assess the state of kidney function.
Why do doctors ask for GFR if my creatinine level is 8.5?
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 8.5?
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a creatinine value of 8.5
| Age in Years | Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) | GFR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs | Male : 8.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 19 yrs | Male : 8.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 20 yrs | Male : 8.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 21 yrs | Male : 7.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.92 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 22 yrs | Male : 7.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 23 yrs | Male : 7.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 24 yrs | Male : 7.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 25 yrs | Male : 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 26 yrs | Male : 7.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 27 yrs | Male : 7.58 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 28 yrs | Male : 7.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 29 yrs | Male : 7.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 30 yrs | Male : 7.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 31 yrs | Male : 7.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 32 yrs | Male : 7.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 33 yrs | Male : 7.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 34 yrs | Male : 7.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 35 yrs | Male : 7.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 36 yrs | Male : 7.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 37 yrs | Male : 7.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 38 yrs | Male : 7.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 39 yrs | Male : 7.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 40 yrs | Male : 7.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 41 yrs | Male : 6.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 42 yrs | Male : 6.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 43 yrs | Male : 6.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.12 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 44 yrs | Male : 6.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 45 yrs | Male : 6.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 46 yrs | Male : 6.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 47 yrs | Male : 6.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.03 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 48 yrs | Male : 6.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 5.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 49 yrs | Male : 6.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 50 yrs | Male : 6.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 51 yrs | Male : 6.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 52 yrs | Male : 6.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 53 yrs | Male : 6.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 54 yrs | Male : 6.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 55 yrs | Male : 6.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 56 yrs | Male : 6.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 57 yrs | Male : 6.52 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.84 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 58 yrs | Male : 6.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.82 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 59 yrs | Male : 6.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 60 yrs | Male : 6.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.79 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 61 yrs | Male : 6.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 62 yrs | Male : 6.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 63 yrs | Male : 6.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 64 yrs | Male : 6.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 65 yrs | Male : 6.35 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.71 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 66 yrs | Male : 6.33 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.69 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 67 yrs | Male : 6.31 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 68 yrs | Male : 6.29 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.67 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 69 yrs | Male : 6.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 70 yrs | Male : 6.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.64 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 71 yrs | Male : 6.23 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 72 yrs | Male : 6.22 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.61 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 73 yrs | Male : 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 74 yrs | Male : 6.18 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.59 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 75 yrs | Male : 6.16 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 76 yrs | Male : 6.15 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 77 yrs | Male : 6.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.55 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 78 yrs | Male : 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 79 yrs | Male : 6.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.53 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 80 yrs | Male : 6.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.51 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 81 yrs | Male : 6.07 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 82 yrs | Male : 6.05 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.49 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 83 yrs | Male : 6.04 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.48 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 84 yrs | Male : 6.02 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.47 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 85 yrs | Male : 6.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 86 yrs | Male : 5.99 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 87 yrs | Male : 5.98 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.44 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 88 yrs | Male : 5.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.43 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 89 yrs | Male : 5.95 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 90 yrs | Male : 5.94 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.41 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 91 yrs | Male : 5.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 92 yrs | Male : 5.91 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.39 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 93 yrs | Male : 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 94 yrs | Male : 5.89 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 | GFR Grade G5 : Kidney Failure |
| 95 yrs | Male : 5.88 mL/min/1.73 m2 Female : 4.36 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 8.5
HBA1C
Visit HBA1C Test to know more
Electrolytes
Visit Electrolytes to know more
Kidney Profile
Visit Kidney Profile to know more
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Dr.Bhargav Raut is a qualified Pathologist, with over 5 years of experience in the field
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