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UTI, Low Grade Fever, Chills, Cold Sweats, Lower Abdominal Pain, Frequent Urination. High Creatinine Due To Infection?

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Posted on Thu, 4 Oct 2012
Question: Hi there,

I've recently been diagnosed with a UTI/kidney infection. I have a low grade fever (99 or 100 degrees) chills, cold sweats, lower abdominal pain, frequency and urgency to urinate, burning while urinating, and pain in my lower back and what i think to be around my kidneys. My urine had white blood cells, blood, and puss in it. I've been prescribed Levofloxacin and pyridium. The day before i was diagnosed with a uti/kindey infection, I had blood work done to check on my creatinine levels. I received the lab work today and here are my results:

BUN/CREAT RATIO- 12
ANION GAP-10
BUN-18
CALCIUM-9.6
CHLORIDE-103
CO2-29
CREATININE-1.52
GFR AFR AM (CALC)-49
GFR NON AFR AM (CALC)-40
GLUCOSE-94
POTASSIUM-4.4
SODIUM-138

What I'm wondering is if my high creatinine levels are due to the infection or if this is an indicator or early stages of kidney disease? A few months ago, I was diagnosed with h.pylori and was unable to keep much food or water down and my doctor assumed that my high creatinine levels at that time were due to dehydration. Admittedly, I'm terrible about drinking enough fluids, especially water. Any insight you could provide would be much appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arnab Maji (2 hours later)
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The abnormal lab values are in all probability due to dehydration and not some kidney diseases. You need to make a conscious attempt to drink atleast 3-4 litres of water in a day.

Though your preliminary urine culture report shows no growth, comments can be done only after availability of final culture report that is usually available by the end of 72 hours of incubation.

Your history is suggestive of UTI. Your physician has rightly started the antibiotics levofloxacin along with urinary analgesic pyridium. Antibiotics may be changed after availability of culture-sensitivity report if you are found to be resistant to levofloxacin. Along with this, you can take urinary alkaliser with water to relieve your burning sensation. Take plenty of water atleast 4 litre per day.

You can repeat serum creatinine level after 2 weeks. If it is raised at that time also, we’ll need to work you up.
Hope I have answered you. If you have further queries you can ask me.
Wishing you quick recovery,

Regards,
Dr Arnab Maji
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
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Dr. Arnab Maji

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 661 Questions

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UTI, Low Grade Fever, Chills, Cold Sweats, Lower Abdominal Pain, Frequent Urination. High Creatinine Due To Infection?

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The abnormal lab values are in all probability due to dehydration and not some kidney diseases. You need to make a conscious attempt to drink atleast 3-4 litres of water in a day.

Though your preliminary urine culture report shows no growth, comments can be done only after availability of final culture report that is usually available by the end of 72 hours of incubation.

Your history is suggestive of UTI. Your physician has rightly started the antibiotics levofloxacin along with urinary analgesic pyridium. Antibiotics may be changed after availability of culture-sensitivity report if you are found to be resistant to levofloxacin. Along with this, you can take urinary alkaliser with water to relieve your burning sensation. Take plenty of water atleast 4 litre per day.

You can repeat serum creatinine level after 2 weeks. If it is raised at that time also, we’ll need to work you up.
Hope I have answered you. If you have further queries you can ask me.
Wishing you quick recovery,

Regards,
Dr Arnab Maji