Creatinine, Serum (CRE)

Price: 4 د.ا

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of creatine. It is typically excreted through the kidneys, and measuring its levels can provide valuable insight into kidney function.

Normal Range

• Female: 0.5 – 1.1 mg/dL
• Male: 0.6 – 1.2 mg/dL
• Children: 0.2 – 1.0 mg/dL (varies by age)

Function in the Body

Creatinine is produced at a relatively constant rate by muscle metabolism. It is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Measuring serum creatinine levels helps assess kidney function and can detect kidney disease or dysfunction.

Diseases Revealed by the Test

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Dehydration
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Urinary tract obstruction

Symptoms

Elevated creatinine levels may lead to symptoms such as:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or mental fog
• Decreased urine output

Symptoms of Deficiency and Overdose

Deficiency

Low creatinine levels are generally not concerning unless there is an underlying issue like malnutrition, severe liver disease, or muscle atrophy.

Overdose

Elevated creatinine levels indicate kidney dysfunction. Chronic high creatinine can cause kidney failure, leading to complications like fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances.

Diagnosis

A serum creatinine test is typically part of a broader panel of kidney function tests. It is often accompanied by other tests like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). If elevated levels are detected, further diagnostic work-ups like urine tests or imaging may be recommended to determine the underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean if my creatinine level is high?
   High creatinine levels indicate that your kidneys may not be functioning properly. It could signal conditions like kidney disease, dehydration, or muscle breakdown.
2. How often should I get a creatinine test?
   If you are at risk for kidney disease, such as having diabetes or high blood pressure, you should have your creatinine levels tested regularly, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. Can creatinine levels fluctuate?
   Yes, creatinine levels can fluctuate based on factors like hydration, diet, and physical activity. It’s important to track these levels over time to get an accurate understanding of kidney function.
4. What other tests might I need along with creatinine levels?
   A full assessment of kidney function might include tests like BUN, eGFR, and urine tests.

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