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What Does Rise In Creatinine Levels Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 19 Sep 2014
Question: Hi, I am a little nervous. I am a male aged 31 years and visited my doctor recently, I have since made an appointment to go back to discuss results in detail but she did mention that there could be an issue with my kidneys. She said that over the last four or so years they have showed up the higher end of normal in the blood tests. I am unsure what the actual measure was but I remember the number she was referencing to be 109 - apparently 110+ and you are in trouble? as I said, unsure what the measure is. She said as long as the number does not rise it will be ok, and they have been consistently at that level for a number of years now. What does this mean? I have another appointment on Friday but am very worried.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
if remains stable then this good

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

She is likely referring to creatinine levels.

Levels of creatinine rise in kidney disease. It is one of the indicators used to assess kidney function.

The normal range can vary slightly from one lab to the next but in general would be 50 to 120 micro mmol/l. Some labs may have a lower upper limit.

If your creatinine levels remain stable then it would mean that there is no significant change in kidney function- no decline in kidney function.
If it has continued to remain stable even if at the upper limits then this indicates that your kidney function is fine

Your doctor would monitor it for any changes.

Controlling any risk factors such as blood pressure and diabetes ( if you have either of these illnesses) would prevent progression.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thanks for your response. Is it of concern though that some years ago my levels were a lot lower? I recall them from the report (don't have it on me) around 60/75/90 or there abouts across a few years and only recently (the last four or so years they have peaked at around 102-109 and not moved).

Ie: is that rise previously a sign of kidney disease or is them rising any more from what they are (upper level) a concern?

I have good blood pressure, weight etc and no diabetes.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
movement can indicate decline

Detailed Answer:
HI

Progression from 60-90 to over 100 can indicate decline in kidney function but if it has remained stable over the past 4 yrs then this means that this decline has stopped and the function has now stabilized.

If they continue to rise then this would indicate that the kidney function is deteriorating.

The fact that you are not hypertensive or diabetic is good.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Thank you for your response. Given there has been a previous decline is there any medical evidence to suggest the decline will continue past acceptable levels? Is this common? I have had an ultrasound of the bladder/kidneys and it all came back normal, are there any further tests you suggest I ask my doctor for? I just hope that the function continues to remain stable and its not common for function to continue to decline - especially given my age. My dr commented she has similar function however she is in her late 50's - I am still so young.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
may not have any further decline

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply.

The ultrasound of the bladder/kidney would have been able to identify any structural changes the the urinary tract.

In the absence of any structural changes and any further increase in creatinine levels, then kidney function should not decline.
Kidney function may not decline any further especially since you have no risk factors- high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, polycystic kidneys (would have been seen on ultrasound if present).

You can ask anything else if still unclear
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does Rise In Creatinine Levels Indicate?

Brief Answer: if remains stable then this good Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic She is likely referring to creatinine levels. Levels of creatinine rise in kidney disease. It is one of the indicators used to assess kidney function. The normal range can vary slightly from one lab to the next but in general would be 50 to 120 micro mmol/l. Some labs may have a lower upper limit. If your creatinine levels remain stable then it would mean that there is no significant change in kidney function- no decline in kidney function. If it has continued to remain stable even if at the upper limits then this indicates that your kidney function is fine Your doctor would monitor it for any changes. Controlling any risk factors such as blood pressure and diabetes ( if you have either of these illnesses) would prevent progression. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions