Creatinine is higher than normal in men. Why is creatinine elevated in the blood, what does it mean? Indications for examination

Examinations, in particular analyzes, are necessary for the timely detection of deviations and proper treatment of a person. When creatinine in the blood is elevated, the reasons may be different. Depending on the values, we can talk about both a physiological (natural) increase and a pathological one, which is a sign of a disease.

Creatinine in the blood: what is it

Before talking about the level of creatinine, you need to understand what kind of substance it is. This chemical compound is formed from creatine, its function is to deliver the proteins needed for nutrition to the muscles. After the protein is broken down, muscle and other tissues receive the necessary energy, the creatinine resulting from this reaction is excreted from the body.

Since it is produced during metabolism, it is also defined as a metabolite. Concentration is measured in µmol/l. Since the production of creatinine and its excretion are a continuous biochemical process, the content of this substance in the blood is constant.

Important! The physical activity of a person and the use of meat food affect the concentration of creatinine, this may affect the results of the tests.

The level of creatinine in the blood depends on:

age;
muscle mass;
the amount of protein consumed.

Since women have less muscle mass than men, their norm is lower. In people with one kidney, the creatinine level should not exceed 190 µmol/L.

The reasons for the increase in creatinine can be physiological (transient) and pathological. The first ones include:

physical exercise;
dense protein foods (meat and fish);
the use of substances to build muscle mass (for example, creatine, a drug taken by bodybuilders);
drug treatment - antibiotics (cephalosporins, tetracyclines) and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac);
surgery with extensive damage to muscle tissue.

Increased creatinine during pregnancy with toxicosis and in lactating women, in senile people and in children during the period of active growth. A very high concentration (at the level of adults) in a child at birth is due to the fact that during childbirth he experiences a strong physical load. For newborns, this figure can be up to 48.0.

In different groups, creatinine in the blood is as follows:

The level fluctuates depending on the complexion and age values within the same group, it can increase with exercise (for example, up to 120–122 in men). The level of this substance differs in a big way in those who do not receive a complete protein diet or are on a strict diet. This is explained by the fact that the body, not receiving protein from the outside, begins to produce it, splitting its own muscle tissue. If the diet or vegetarianism is continued, the amount of the metabolite will gradually decrease.

Important! Restriction in nutrition, in particular, refusal or a sharp decrease in protein foods with various diets lead to a change in the level of creatinine, people after such diets need to be restored or even treated.

Pathological increase in the concentration of this metabolite occurs primarily in diseases of the urinary system. Creatinine is excreted from the body only with urine, through the kidneys. An increase in concentration means that it is not filtered. This is also indicated by an increase in the level of urea in the blood. In acute renal failure, creatinine increases and can reach values of 800–1000 µmol/l and higher. Such patients need to undergo hemodialysis. An indicator of more than 1000 µmol / l is an indication for an urgent dialysis procedure for health reasons, such a high level of creatinine threatens coma.

Clearance is very important for the accuracy of diagnosis - a value that shows the effectiveness of the purification of blood by the kidneys from protein breakdown products. The average creatinine clearance is 125 ml / min. The upper limit in young men is 140 ml / min, in women - 105 ml / min. A clearance rate of 40 ml / min in adults indicates serious kidney problems.

However, an increase in creatinine concentration is observed only if the functionality of the kidneys decreases by almost half (40-60%). Therefore, for the early diagnosis of renal failure, the level of a substance in the blood (serum) is an insufficient diagnostic method.

High creatinine is also observed:

with oncological diseases;
with pathologies of the endocrine system (acromegaly, gigantism, hyperthyroidism and Basedow's disease);
with extensive radiation damage.

Creatinine also increases with muscle inflammation (myositis), myasthenia gravis, poliomyelitis, and severe burns. Increased rates are possible with cholelithiasis, cystitis, prostatitis in men, congestion in the bladder.

Important! In order for the blood test to give an accurate picture, you need to take it in the morning on an empty stomach, you can drink weak tea without sugar. A light dinner is allowed 8 hours before pickup. Do not drink alcohol, meat and fatty foods. If these conditions are violated, an increase in creatinine is possible in the analyzes.

Symptoms and treatment

Concomitant symptoms with elevated creatinine:

myalgia (lower limbs and back in the kidney area);
increased blood pressure;
swelling (face, legs);
decreased work capacity, rapid fatigue;
pallor of the skin.

Often, an increase in creatinine is accompanied by dysuria, manifested both in rare urination (up to anuria), and in polyuria over 2 liters of daily urine. It may be cloudy due to protein impurities, and also contain blood (hematuria). All clinical manifestations are not associated with a change in the content of the metabolite, but with the underlying disease that caused its fluctuations. Tests can help you understand the symptoms. The decoding of the analysis should be done only by the attending physician, who fully knows the medical history.

Important! The results of creatinine tests taken a day apart can vary by up to 15%.

Treatment with folk remedies

To reduce creatinine and improve kidney function, infusions, decoctions and other herbal remedies from medicinal plants are used.

Mint infusion

An infusion is made from dried peppermint (2 tablespoons) and 500 ml of boiled water: the leaves are poured into a thermos, the container is closed for 2 hours. Strained infusion to drink in small portions during the day.

Infusion of stinging nettle leaves

In a glass of boiling water, take 2 tbsp. l. dry nettle and leave for an hour, wrapped. Strained nettle infusion is taken after and before going to bed for half a glass.

lingonberry leaves

1 st. l. dried lingonberry leaves pour a glass of boiling water and cook for half an hour in a water bath. Strained broth drink three times a day for a third of a glass.

Collection based on sage

Sage (4 tablespoons) is mixed with dandelion leaves, birch bark and burdock root (3 tablespoons each). Mixture pour 1 liter of boiling water and keep in a thermos for 3 hours. Strained infusion take at night for 3 tbsp. l. Not recommended for pregnant women.

Decoction of dandelion roots

For 1 st. l. root 2 cups of water, simmer until boiling, after 5 minutes remove from heat and cool. Drink 2 tbsp. l. half an hour before meals 3-4 times a day.

Diet

Nutrition with increased creatinine should be reviewed in the direction of reducing the amount of animal proteins in the diet. At the same time, you need to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Meat products are consumed in the amount necessary for the protein norm (it may differ depending on the type of activity, age, physiological state).

What to avoid:

meat in large quantities;
fatty, fried foods;
strong rich broths;
spicy food;
smoked meats, pickles, marinades;
baking, white fresh bread;
oily fish;
strong tea, black coffee;
fat milk, cream.

The basis of the diet should be cereals, vegetable products, butter and vegetable oil, lean meat (600 g per week), dairy products, cottage cheese, eggs (1 piece every two days), bran bread (no more than 100 g per day). Very well helps to reduce creatinine rice water, mucous soups.

An increased concentration of creatinine in the blood may indicate a malfunction of the kidneys and excretory system, therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor in order to establish a diagnosis in time and begin treatment.

The list of standard biochemical tests includes a blood test for creatinine. This substance is a product formed after muscle contraction during the breakdown of creatine phosphate. In this case, there is a rapid receipt of energy for the movement. Therefore, the concentration of this substance indicates whether the functional activity of the organism is preserved or impaired.

What does elevated blood creatinine mean in men, what are the symptoms and treatment? Understanding!

Characterization of creatinine

The human body constantly produces creatinine in a certain amount, because its content in the blood serum is almost constant. This value depends on the amount of human muscle mass. Therefore, in men, the creatinine content is usually significantly higher than in women. This is explained by the fact that the indicator expressing the ratio of muscle mass to total body mass is higher for them.

In general, the substance under study belongs to the group of slags - substances formed as a result of the breakdown of molecules in the body and excreted unchanged. In particular, creatinine is synthesized during the breakdown of proteins. It is formed in muscle tissue, after which it enters the bloodstream. This substance must be removed from the body, as it adversely affects the tissues.

Creatinine is excreted by the kidneys, it completely passes from the blood capillaries to the renal tubules. Thus, if the content of this substance in the blood increases, then a violation of glomerular filtration will be the likely cause of this. Blood creatinine is an important diagnostic indicator that determines the exact diagnosis in the presence of renal pathologies.

Normal creatinine content

Due to the fact that the level of creatinine in the blood is determined by the volume of muscle mass, this indicator differs both by sex and by age. For women, the normal value is:

At the age of 60-65 years - 53-100 mmol per liter;
After 65 years - 50-110 mmol per liter.

For men, the physiological content of creatinine is:

Up to 60-65 years - 80-120 mmol per liter;
After 65 years - 70-120 mmol per liter.

It can be seen that with age, the content of creatinine slightly decreases. This is because older people develop senile muscle atrophy and use less creatine phosphate.

Newborns - 30-90 mmol per liter;
Infants (children under the age of 1 year) - 20-35 mmol per liter;
From 1 to 10 years - 30-60 mmol per liter.

In adolescents, the creatinine content ranges from 40 to 80 mmol per liter.

Physiological increase in creatinine

In some cases, the analysis for creatinine shows an excess of the normal level, but there is no pathology in the body. Sometimes a high concentration of this substance in the blood can be physiological. So, in children during periods of active growth, the functional activity of the muscles increases significantly, which means that the production of creatinine also increases. Therefore, in their blood it is possible to detect a higher concentration of it than is normal.

A physiological increase in concentration is also observed in old age. It is worth noting that the indicator should not be much more than the norm. A significant increase in the level of a substance in the blood is already considered a sign of pathology.

Creatinine production is increased in people engaged in heavy physical labor. With intensive loads on the muscles, they use more creatinine phosphate, which means that the creatinine content also increases. The work of the kidneys in this case may be normal, however, due to the large amount of the substance in the blood, they do not have time to filter and excrete it. Therefore, elevated creatinine is determined in the analysis.

The hormonal background also has a great influence on the indicator. This factor is especially relevant for women. The level of creatinine in the blood may vary slightly depending on what phase the patient's menstrual cycle is in. A physiological change in the indicator also occurs during pregnancy. In the body of the expectant mother, protein metabolism is more intensive, so the release of creatinine will also be accelerated.

An increased level of the laboratory indicator is also characteristic of people professionally involved in sports. This is due to the fact that their muscles have a lot of physical activity, and with the type of nutrition of athletes. Usually their diet contains a large amount of proteins, which are destroyed in the body with the formation of creatinine. In addition, many biological supplements taken by athletes for accelerated weight gain contain a specific amino acid - creatine, which in its structure is a precursor of endogenous creatinine.

Thus, an increase in the level of creatinine in the patient's blood serum is not always a sign of any pathology. Age and gender characteristics, the level of physical activity, and the nature of nutrition have a great influence on the result of the analysis. All these factors should be taken into account when deciphering the results of the analyzes.

Pathological increase in creatinine

A persistent increase in creatinine levels is a sign that there is some kind of pathological process in the body. This symptom is called hypercreatininemia. Depending on how much the indicator has increased, there are 3 degrees of the state:

1 degree - slight hypercreatininemia;
Grade 2 - moderate hypercreatininemia;
Grade 3 - severe hypercreatininemia.

1 and 2 degrees can be caused by the following factors:

Unbalanced nutrition. Increased consumption of proteins, especially of animal origin, leads to an increase in blood creatinine.
Prolonged fasting. In the absence of energy supply, the body first decomposes sugars and fats. After their reserves in the body run out, proteins begin to break down. This process leads to a change in the laboratory value.
Bleeding from the digestive system due to ulcers, erosions, tumors. In this case, the blood flowing into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract enters the process of digestion. It contains a lot of protein, which is decomposed into amino acids and absorbed into the body. The decomposition of these elements leads to an increase in the level of creatinine.
Severe dehydration. When the blood plasma leaves the vascular bed, the blood becomes more “concentrated”, therefore all biochemical parameters, including the creatinine content, increase significantly.

A mild degree of creatininemia is also associated with a number of diseases:

Renal insufficiency of a mild form;
Liver diseases associated with toxic or infectious damage (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
Gangrene or other massive processes of necrosis of muscle tissue;
Increased functional activity of the adrenal glands - hypercortisolism syndrome;
Extensive muscle injury;
severe burns;
kidney damage (nephropathy) due to diabetes;
Increased formation and massive release of thyroid hormones into the blood;
Myasthenia gravis is a severe hereditary disease that affects muscle tissue;
Syndrome of intoxication in infections and purulent-septic pathologies;
Autoimmune diseases (rheumatism and arthritis, vasculitis, lupus);
Toxicosis in pregnant women.

A significant increase in the level of creatinine is observed with a pronounced form of hypercreatininemia. This condition may be associated with the presence of the following pathologies in the patient:

Severe kidney damage, accompanied by severe renal failure and a sharp decrease in their functional activity;
Muscular dystrophies, which are accompanied by active destruction of muscle tissue in the patient's body;
Condition after prolonged muscle compression (positional compression syndrome);
Reperfusion syndrome - the appearance of pathological symptoms after the removal of blood clots from the vessels supplying the muscles;
Severe infectious lesions of the body, including a generalized infection - sepsis.

These conditions require emergency treatment, as they threaten the health and life of the patient.

Treatment of elevated creatinine in men

If an elevated creatinine content is found in the analysis, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo a complete examination. Only a specialist is able to establish the origin of this symptom and start treatment on time.

You can remove a small increase in creatinine levels by changing the patient's lifestyle. In this case, doctors recommend:

Choose the right diet containing the optimal amount of protein substances;
Limit alcohol intake;
Limit physical activity;
Drink enough water.

The same measures will be effective in the prevention of hypercreatininemia.

Thus, creatinine is a breakdown product of protein molecules in the human body. Its level in the blood depends on the coordinated work of several body systems (kidneys, liver, intestines). If the regulation of this indicator is disturbed, hypercreatininemia occurs - an increased content of a substance in the blood serum.

This is an important diagnostic feature that indicates the presence of a severe pathology in the patient's body. Therefore, if a high creatinine is detected in the analysis, it is recommended to consult a specialist and undergo a full examination in order to establish the cause of this symptom.

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is creatinine?

Creatinine- a substance that is a product of the vital activity of the human body. It is the end product of a chain of biochemical reactions aimed at obtaining energy. Thus, creatinine itself does not perform any significant functions in the body.

However, this substance is of great diagnostic value in medicine. Currently, there are several convenient methods for quickly determining the level of creatinine in the blood and urine. According to the results of the analysis, specialists can detect certain pathologies.

What is creatinine responsible for and where does it come from in the body?

Creatinine itself is a harmful substance that is normally excreted in the urine. In the blood, it appears as a result of biochemical reactions occurring in muscle cells.

Creatinine has no useful functions in the body, and it is not responsible for any biological processes.

The following chain of reactions leads to the appearance of creatinine in the blood and urine:

The amino acid creatine is sent to the liver, where creatine phosphate is formed from it. This compound plays a significant role in the formation and transfer of energy in the body.
Creatine phosphate is carried with the blood to the muscles of the body, where a special enzyme creatine phosphokinase ( KFK) splits it.
After the breakdown of creatine phosphate, adenosine triphosphate molecules are formed ( ATP), which are the main source of energy for living cells. ATP will subsequently be used to contract muscle fibers, grow and divide cells, and form new cellular elements.
Creatine phosphate after separation of the phosphate part is converted into creatinine, which is returned back to the blood. It is the end product of the reaction and no longer performs any useful function. Normally, this substance is simply removed from the body through the kidneys.

What is glomerular filtration?

Glomerular filtration is the process of blood purification in the nephrons - the functional units of the kidneys. Blood enters the filtration apparatus of the nephron ( glomerulus), where low-molecular compounds and a significant part of water are removed from it. Normally, large protein compounds and blood cells do not pass through the membrane. As a result of the first stage of filtration, primary urine is formed. Among other substances, it also contains creatinine.

At the second stage, the reverse absorption of useful substances occurs, since not all low molecular weight compounds in the blood are harmful. Back into the bloodstream returns, for example, glucose, amino acids, most of the water molecules. Creatinine is not reabsorbed and is excreted in the urine.

The filtration of blood in the kidneys is a very complex process and depends on the following factors:

condition of the glomeruli and renal tubules;
permeability of capillary walls;
plasma protein concentration ( oncotic pressure).

Also, the filtration of certain substances depends on their concentration in the blood. For example, glucose is normally not detected in the urine, but if its level in the blood is elevated, then the excess will not be absorbed back and will be excreted in the urine. In a healthy body, the amount of creatinine excreted in the urine is relatively constant. Its determination in the blood and urine is important, first of all, for assessing the work of the kidneys.

What does creatinine show?

In diagnostic terms, creatine is a very important indicator. It is usually determined as part of a biochemical blood test. First of all, creatinine shows how well the kidneys are working. With various pathological processes, glomerular filtration may deteriorate. Then creatinine will accumulate in the blood, and in the analysis its level will be elevated.

In some cases, creatinine also indicates the pathology of other organs and systems. In this case, it is of secondary diagnostic value. For example, high creatinine may indicate muscle breakdown ( after injury), poor liver function, etc. To get the maximum amount of information, there are several ways to determine the level of creatinine in urine and blood.

Symptoms of high creatinine

Creatinine itself is a weakly toxic compound, so a slight increase in its concentration in the blood usually does not cause any symptoms or complaints in patients. With serious pathologies of the kidneys and some other internal organs, the level of creatinine in the blood can exceed the norm by 10 times or more. Then the patient may experience headaches, nausea and other signs of general intoxication. However, accompanying symptoms and disorders will usually come first ( the underlying disease that caused the increase in creatinine).

The most common problems in patients with high creatinine are:

renal edema;
pain in the kidney area at the level of the waist);
unstable blood pressure;
decreased urination;
convulsions ( in severe cases).

All these symptoms are caused not only by the toxic effects of creatinine. Usually, along with it, other, more toxic substances are retained in the blood ( which are also found in a blood test and urine test). Also often there is a water-electrolyte imbalance. Such complex disorders usually lead to the appearance of the above symptoms.

Why is high creatinine dangerous?

By itself, creatinine does not cause serious disorders, so its slight increase is not dangerous for the body. Pathologies that led to an increase in creatinine in the blood or urine can be much more serious. Most often, these are various metabolic disorders, severe diseases of the kidneys, liver or muscle tissue. It is calculated that an increase in the level of creatinine in the urine occurs when more than half of the cells in the kidney cease to perform their functions. That is, we are talking about a very serious pathology, because an increase in creatinine is not the only consequence of kidney failure.

Thus, patients with elevated creatinine levels need to see a doctor who will conduct additional examinations and find out the causes of this disorder. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the most dangerous of them - inflammatory processes in the kidneys, renal failure, severe circulatory disorders, a number of endocrine system disorders. Without qualified treatment, these diseases can cause irreparable harm to human health.

Creatinine analysis

There are several types of creatinine testing. In diagnostic terms, the most important is the determination of the level of creatinine in the blood and urine of the patient. In the blood, creatinine is usually determined as part of a biochemical analysis. This study is prescribed for most patients to assess the condition of the kidneys. The most objective information is given by comparing the level of creatinine in the blood and urine.

As a rule, the referral for analysis is given by the attending physician after examining the patient. But the patient himself can go to the laboratory and take tests for preventive purposes.

Where and how to take a creatinine test?

A biochemical blood test, which includes the determination of creatinine, is done by almost all laboratories. For this, venous blood is collected from the patient ( usually from the cubital vein). Since this analysis is routine, its cost in all clinics is quite affordable. If you have an insurance policy and a referral from a doctor, it is done free of charge.

Urinalysis for creatinine is done as part of a biochemical urinalysis. To do this, they usually take a daily sample, which is important to collect correctly. The patient needs to carry out the toilet of the external genitalia. The first morning portion in this case is not collected. Then all portions are poured into one vessel. Ideally, the first and last portion should be collected around 7 am with a difference of a day. The patient himself measures the total volume collected during this time, but sends only 100 ml to the laboratory with an accompanying note ( you need to specify the volume of daily urine and the weight of the patient). During the day, while the sample is being collected, one should not perform physical activity, abuse alcohol or tobacco products. The diet and amount of fluid consumed should be normal.

If urine is collected for the determination of specific substances ( not just creatinine), your doctor may give you additional instructions.

Do I need to prepare for blood donation for biochemical analysis?

Special preparation for donating blood for creatinine is not required, since its level is relatively stable and depends little on external factors. In other words, no matter what the patient does or eats during the day, the creatinine level will rise slightly. However, there are a number of recommendations, the observance of which will make the result more objective.

Before taking a biochemical blood test, the patient must remember the following rules:

Blood should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. At least 8-12 hours should elapse since the last meal. It is allowed to take blood after 6 hours, provided that the dinner was light, without fatty foods.
Blood is not donated immediately after the patient has arrived at the laboratory. It is necessary to rest for 10 - 15 minutes in a sitting position. This will relax the muscles and normalize some indicators.
If the patient is taking any medications, they should be discontinued if possible before blood donation. If this is not possible, and the results of the analysis are needed urgently, the patient must notify the laboratory and the attending physician about which drugs he is taking.
For 1 - 2 days before donating blood, you should not abuse alcohol, fatty and spicy foods. All this can affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys, which will distort the result.

If the above rules are not observed, the level of creatinine in the blood may be somewhat overestimated, but this is not of decisive importance. Importantly, many conclusions are drawn when comparing creatinine levels with levels of other substances in the blood ( e.g. protein/creatinine ratio). Thus, to collect reliable information, the patient still needs to take a biochemical blood test ( not just creatinine), and compliance with the above recommendations is an important condition.

Methods for determining creatinine ( test strips, according to Cockcroft-Gault, Jaffe method, Rehberg's test, samples in single and daily urine)

Currently, there are various ways to determine the level of creatinine in urine and blood. Basically, the differences are in the biochemical reactions that are used for this. Each laboratory chooses those methods that it considers more convenient, reliable or practical.

Determination of the level of creatinine is possible in the following ways:

Test strips. Currently, test strips are the fastest method of testing for creatinine. They are sold in some large pharmacies and medical companies, and the patient may well use them at home. A drop of blood is applied to a strip of special material, and during the course of a chemical reaction, the level of creatinine is determined ( horizontal stripes appear on the test, indicating the concentration of this substance). The result can be obtained within a few minutes. Unfortunately, test strips are not very accurate, and this method is considered unreliable for serious diseases. It is not used in medical laboratories.
According to Cockcroft-Gault. The Cockcroft-Gault formula reflects the glomerular filtration rate of blood in the kidneys ( how efficiently various substances are excreted by the kidneys). It is an aid in the evaluation of renal failure.
Jaffe method. This method is a sequence of chemical reactions, as a result of which the level of creatinine is determined both in the blood and in the urine. By this method ( sometimes with minor modifications) creatinine is determined in most biochemical laboratories.
Reberg-Tareev test. With this test, the laboratory can determine the glomerular filtration rate in the kidneys. The main criterion for evaluating this indicator is precisely the level of creatinine. Its concentration is measured in parallel in blood and urine samples ( there are several methods), after which the efficiency of the kidneys is calculated using a special formula.

What are the units of measurement for plasma and urine creatinine levels?

There are several types of creatinine testing. In the blood, the concentration of this substance is usually determined, which is measured in µmol / l ( micromoles per liter). Some laboratories give results in mg/dL ( milligram per deciliter). In urine, both the concentration of creatinine and the total amount of this substance excreted per day can be determined.

The norm of creatinine in men, women and children

The level of creatinine in the blood depends on many factors. One of them is the gender and age of the patient. It is believed that men have more energy costs in the body than women. In addition, they have more muscle mass. This determines a higher level of creatinine. Also, creatinine levels are slightly higher in adults than in children ( at a certain age).

Currently, doctors are guided by the following norms of creatinine ( in blood and urine) depending on gender:

Men. In blood serum 62 - 132 µmol / l or 0.7 - 1.4 mg / dl. In the urine 800 - 2000 mg / day or 7.1 - 17.7 mmol / day.
Women. In blood serum 44 - 97 µmol / l or 0.5 - 1.1 mg / dl. In the urine 600 - 1800 mg / day or 5.3 - 15.9 mmol / day.

During pregnancy, the normal level of creatinine in women changes and depends, among other things, on the gestational age.

In children, the normal level of creatinine depends on age, and there is no single norm for all patients under 18 years of age.

It should also be noted that minor deviations in the norms are possible depending on the laboratory in which the study was conducted. All laboratories use reagents of different manufacture and quality, and sometimes there are differences in chemical methods. That is why most laboratories, when issuing results to a patient, also indicate the limits of the norm, which were determined experimentally for this particular laboratory. As a rule, they differ slightly from the above limits.

Normal levels of creatinine at different ages ( age table)

Creatinine levels can fluctuate significantly depending on the age of the patient. The greatest differences are observed in children of different ages. This is due to the fact that in childhood a person grows at different rates, and the body requires a different amount of energy. In infancy, growth is most intensive. The next period of active growth falls on puberty. At this time, an intensive set of muscle mass occurs, and more creatinine is formed in the body. Accordingly, the norms for each age will be different.

Norms of creatinine in the blood and in the urine, depending on age

In most cases, the rate of creatinine for children is calculated individually, depending on their age and weight. The laboratory may not provide this information on its own, but the doctor, interpreting the results, will always recalculate the rate.

What is the calculation formula for creatinine clearance ( calculator)?

The greatest diagnostic value is the so-called clearance of endogenous creatinine. This indicator reflects the effectiveness of blood purification by the kidneys. With many kidney diseases, clearance worsens, and doctors need to calculate specific numbers for effective treatment. For example, with a strong decrease in filtration, it makes sense to carry out hemodialysis ( artificial blood purification using a special apparatus).

Currently, special calculators are used to calculate creatinine clearance, into which the patient can independently enter data and get the result. Similar calculators are available on many sites in the public domain. In the laboratory, special programs are also used for this. The results to be entered into such a program are obtained by the Rehberg-Tareev method. The patient determines the concentration of creatinine in the blood serum and in the urine ( the sample is taken hourly, taking into account the volume of urine, or the entire daily urine is collected).

The calculation of creatinine clearance is based on the following formula:

KlF \u003d MxD / Pl, wherein

klf- glomerular filtration rate, determined in ml / min;
M- the concentration of creatinine in the urine;
Pl– concentration of creatinine in blood plasma;
D- minute diuresis rate of urine production).

Normally, this figure ranges from 80 to 160 ml / min, but it may vary depending on the gender and age of the patient. In women under 40, this figure is usually higher than in men, and after 40 it is slightly lower. The time of collecting the analysis is also of some importance. It is known that the glomerular filtration rate varies depending on the time of day. The maximum rate is determined during the day, and in the morning and evening it is slightly lower.

Usually the patient does not have to independently calculate the glomerular filtration rate. Based on the results of the analysis, laboratory workers or the attending physician do this for him.

Deciphering the ratio of protein and creatinine ( index)

To assess the degree of renal failure, a special index is currently widely used, reflecting the ratio of protein and creatinine in the urine. The unit of measurement in this case is mg of albumin protein per g or mmol of creatinine ( depending on the methods used). During normal kidney function, albumin is practically not excreted in the urine. The index value will be in the range of 0 - 30 mg / g. With various pathologies of the kidneys, it can increase. More than 300 mg/g is considered very high. With severe nephrotic syndrome, when the kidneys practically do not filter the blood, the ratio of protein and creatinine can reach 2000 mg / g or more.

The determination of this index is usually carried out in the laboratory as prescribed by the attending physician. To obtain an objective result, several urine tests are done.

Causes of high creatinine in the blood and urine

The causes of high creatinine can be divided into pathological and physiological. Pathological diseases include some diseases of the kidneys, liver and metabolic disorders in tissues. It is almost impossible to accurately recognize the disease only by analyzing creatinine. Physiological causes include factors that can increase creatinine levels in the absence of pathology ( diet, pregnancy, etc.). Thus, elevated creatinine does not always indicate pathology, and you should not worry ahead of time.

High levels of creatinine in the blood and urine can be explained by several mechanisms:

Deterioration of glomerular filtration. Normally, the kidneys excrete excess creatinine in the urine. If the body produces an excess of this substance for various reasons, its concentration in the urine increases. With filtration disorders, creatinine can be formed in the usual amount, but it will be retained in the blood. Kidney function is usually impaired in various diseases of this organ.

Increased production of creatinine. This mechanism is less common. For various reasons, too much creatinine is formed in the body, which does not have time to be completely excreted even by healthy kidneys at a normal filtration rate. Then the concentration of this substance will be increased both in the blood and in the urine ( proportionately). Increased release of creatinine into the blood is possible in diseases accompanied by the breakdown of muscle tissue.

Thus, the results of the analysis for creatinine can be interpreted in different ways. The patient himself cannot determine which of the mechanisms caused the increase in the level of creatinine in the blood. The doctor will first exclude external influences ( physiological causes), and to identify a specific pathology will prescribe additional tests. In any case, worrying ahead of time with a slight increase in creatinine is not worth it. This does not always indicate the presence of a serious pathology. If this indicator is increased in a preventive analysis, you just need to consult a doctor.

What diseases cause increased creatinine?

There are many pathologies of a different nature that can affect the formation and excretion of creatinine from the body. First of all, these are diseases of the kidneys, liver and muscle tissue. The problem is that some pathologies ( e.g. endocrine or hereditary) affect the whole body. Elevated creatinine in these diseases is a comorbid disorder ( not always permanent) rather than the main problem.

The concentration of creatinine in the blood can increase with the following diseases:

Acute or chronic renal failure. In this case, blood filtration is disturbed, and creatinine is an important diagnostic indicator.
Liver diseases. Many inflammatory liver diseases disrupt the normal production of substances associated with the formation of creatinine. Liver damage can be infectious, toxic or traumatic. In any case, a high level of creatinine is one of the possible manifestations.
Injuries. With extensive soft tissue injuries, necrosis occurs ( dying off) a large number of cells. Substances that are contained in these cells enter the blood in large quantities, which explains the pronounced increase in creatinine levels. Such injuries can be burns, frostbite, crush ( crash syndrome). Also, tissues can die due to lack of oxygen in case of vessel injury, thrombosis, gangrene. It is known that creatinine remains elevated for a long time after myocardial infarction ( in this case, a section of the heart muscle dies).
Endocrine ( hormonal) pathology. Hormones regulate many processes in the body, so their influence is usually complex. thyrotoxicosis ( excess thyroid hormones), hypercorticism ( excess adrenal hormones) and diabetes mellitus can cause increased creatinine formation, due to which it can be elevated even with normal renal filtration.
Dehydration. In some diseases, patients may experience prolonged diarrhea or profuse vomiting. As a result, the volume of circulating blood decreases, and the concentration of creatinine in the blood rises, although it is formed at a normal rate.
Some muscle diseases. Muscle cells are the main consumers of energy in the body. With a number of pathologies of muscle tissue, these cells gradually disintegrate, due to which a lot of creatinine is released into the blood. This can be observed with myasthenia gravis, various myositis, muscular dystrophy, etc.
Some infectious diseases. Some microorganisms can infect the kidneys, liver, and even muscle tissue, causing creatinine levels to rise.
Some autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune pathologies, antibodies attack the body's own cells. Quite often, patients have inflammation in the joints, the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys is affected, and sometimes muscle tissue.

There are also physiological reasons for the increase in creatinine levels. In most cases, they are temporary and do not require special treatment. These reasons must be taken into account when interpreting the results of the analyzes.

Creatinine in the blood and urine may be elevated in the following cases:

heavy physical activity regularly or on the eve of the test);
in professional athletes with large muscle mass ( including when using drugs based on steroid hormones and creatine);
in women during pregnancy and lactation;
with prolonged malnutrition or a strict diet;
in some older people depending on build);
a diet high in meat products.

In all these cases, the body's metabolism accelerates or muscle tissue breaks down, which causes an increased level of creatinine.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys that primarily affects the filtration apparatus ( glomerular cells). The inflammatory process can be caused by various factors. Because of it, the blood flow through the network of capillaries is disturbed, the pores that filter the blood are clogged, and kidney failure occurs. Creatinine, accordingly, is poorly excreted from the body and accumulates in the blood, which is reflected in the tests.

Most often, glomerulonephritis is associated with the following diseases and external factors:

autoimmune processes ( antibodies produced by the body attack their own cells);
complications of certain diseases e.g. streptococcal tonsillitis);
infectious diseases;
some toxins, etc.

Pyelonephritis

In pyelonephritis, the renal pelvis is predominantly affected, but the renal tubular system may also be affected. The disease is most often caused by the entry of pathogenic bacteria from the blood or lower urinary tract. An increase in creatinine is not a mandatory manifestation of pyelonephritis. In many cases, glomerular filtration is not affected by the pathological process, but only the accumulation and outflow of secondary urine is disturbed. However, in advanced cases and without the necessary treatment, the inflammatory process also affects other parts of the kidney. As a result, their work is disrupted, and the level of creatinine in the blood rises. In the urine, there are always pathological changes ( leukocytes, erythrocytes, epithelial cells, impurities of pus, etc.), but urinary creatinine usually does not rise.

Acute and chronic renal failure ( OPN and HPN)

Renal failure is a syndrome that can occur with various kidney diseases. The immediate cause of all symptoms and disorders is a significant deterioration in blood filtration. Acute renal failure occurs due to diseases and factors acting in a short period of time. During this period, the level of creatinine can rise sharply and significantly. In chronic renal failure, there is usually a gradual death of nephrons ( structural and functional unit of the kidney), and over time the situation worsens as normal tissue is not restored. Creatinine in this case will rise gradually.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a number of diseases that are characterized by inflammation of the liver tissue. In this case, as a rule, the work of the cells of this organ is disrupted, many substances necessary for the body are synthesized worse. Hepatitis can be of various nature ( viral, bacterial, toxic, etc.). In each case, the disease has its own characteristics of the course.

Oncological diseases ( cancer) and chemotherapy

With many cancers, patients lose a lot of weight. This is partly due to the breakdown of adipose tissue, but in later stages there is usually also degeneration of muscle fibers. As a result, a large amount of energy metabolism products enter the blood, and the level of creatinine rises. This does not happen with all cancers.

If chemotherapy is prescribed for the patient, creatinine levels are also usually elevated during the course of the course. This is because chemotherapy drugs themselves are toxins that cause cell destruction. The larger the dose and the more frequent the courses, the more cells break down and the more metabolic products enter the bloodstream.

Why is creatinine elevated during pregnancy?

In principle, the level of creatinine during pregnancy can vary significantly. Various disorders in the work of the kidneys in pregnant women are quite common, but the normal limits of creatinine change somewhat. That is why during pregnancy, women are advised to regularly donate blood for biochemical analysis.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the concentration of creatinine in the blood is usually lowered. This is due to the fact that more fluid is retained in the body, the volume of circulating blood increases, and the usual amount of creatinine, as it were, is “diluted” in a larger volume of fluid. In fact, the rate of formation of creatinine and its daily excretion in the urine remains approximately the same. The normal level during this period is considered to be a concentration of 35 - 70 µmol / l.

In the later stages of pregnancy ( second and third trimester) creatinine levels may be slightly elevated. This is also a variant of the norm and is explained by the increased expenditure of energy that goes to the growth and development of the child. A significant increase in creatinine may indicate serious complications of pregnancy - eclampsia, severe toxicosis, bleeding. In any case, the results of the tests are carefully studied by the attending physician who observes the course of pregnancy.

Does creatinine increase in diabetes?

An increase in creatinine in diabetes mellitus does not always occur. Kidney damage ( diabetic nephropathy) and worsening glomerular filtration are avoidable complications of this disease. To do this, the patient needs to carefully monitor the level of glucose in the blood and maintain it within the normal range. Diabetic nephropathy usually occurs after years or decades of illness ( depends on the type of diabetes). First of all, the ratio of albumin / creatinine in the urine changes. At this stage, the creatinine level may still be within the normal range. In severe diabetic nephropathy, severe renal failure occurs, and creatinine levels can be very high. In patients without complications on the kidneys, this indicator is usually kept within the normal range. In general, blood and urine creatinine testing is mandatory for all diabetic patients.

Does diet affect creatinine levels? what food)?

The level of creatinine is a relatively stable indicator, which changes little under the influence of various external factors. However, with the use of certain foods, slight changes in the biochemical blood test are possible. In most cases, they still do not exceed the upper limit of the norm.

It is believed that the level of creatinine in the blood can be slightly increased when eating the following foods in large quantities:

fatty meats and meat in general in large quantities;
animal fats;
fatty fish and a large number of fish;
shellfish and other seafood rich in protein ( cod liver, caviar, etc.);
fresh yeast bread.

All these products contain a large amount of protein, which, when broken down, contributes to an increase in creatinine. Also, proteins and excess fatty foods can affect the functioning of the liver and retain water in the tissues, due to which the concentration of creatinine increases. These foods may have a slight effect on creatinine levels, especially if taken before a blood test. Also, these products should be avoided in patients with renal insufficiency, in which the level of creatinine is already elevated.

In women on a weight loss diet, creatinine levels may be elevated in the presence of severe malnutrition. The lack of energy in the body is replenished by the breakdown of muscle tissue. If this does not happen, but the volume of muscle mass is very small, the creatinine level can stay at the lower limit of the norm.

Does transplantation affect transfer) or removal of the kidney to the level of creatinine?

Currently, kidney transplantation is one of the most common operations in transplantation. It is performed in cases where the kidney does not function due to irreversible damage. In some cases ( such as kidney cancer) in the absence of a donor, the kidney can simply be removed. In these cases, subsequent blood and urine tests should be studied with particular care.

Removal of the kidney affects the tests for the following reasons:

decreases and slows down the formation of urine;
the blood is filtered more slowly, and some substances are retained in the blood;
immediately after surgery, cell death can affect the results of biochemical analysis.

If the remaining kidney is working normally, blood creatinine levels are usually within the normal range or slightly elevated. Patients should follow a special diet.

After a kidney transplant, some time must pass ( usually 3 – 6 months) before the transplanted kidney takes root normally and fully performs its functions. During this period of "adaptation" creatinine is usually elevated. A year after the operation, a biochemical blood test usually returns to normal. In all cases, after a kidney transplant or removal of a kidney, a biochemical blood test should be taken regularly according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. The results are interpreted by a specialist, taking into account the initial pathology and the general condition of the patient. There are no uniform rules in these cases.

What to do if creatinine is elevated in an athlete?

Professional athletes experience greater physical exertion and have more muscle mass than the average person. Their muscles require more energy even in the absence of exercise ( e.g. during the off-season). In addition, in many sports, athletes follow a high-calorie diet and use special mixtures to gain muscle mass. All this rebuilds the metabolism in the body and leads to an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood, even in the absence of any pathology.

Thus, the upper limit of normal creatinine for athletes is somewhat higher. However, this does not mean that athletes cannot get sick, and they do not have kidney problems. Serious physical activity increases the risk of developing certain pathologies, so the doctor, having seen elevated creatinine in the athlete's tests, should prescribe other studies to rule out diseases.

Treatment for elevated creatinine

By itself, elevated creatinine does not pose a serious threat to the patient. It only indicates a number of violations and deviations in the work of various organs and systems. That is why talking about the treatment of elevated creatinine is not entirely correct. The result of the analysis allows you to make the correct diagnosis and find out what caused the violations.

Treatment in patients with elevated creatinine should be aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology. Tactics in this case may be different.

Self-medication is in any case unacceptable, since a significant increase in creatinine levels usually indicates serious disorders.

The elevated creatinine itself as well as other substances that may not be excreted in the urine) can be removed by hemodialysis. It is also possible to intravenously drip the introduction of special solutions that "dilute" the blood and weaken the effect of toxic substances.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a method of artificial blood purification. With the help of a special device "artificial kidney") blood is passed through a system of filters that remove toxic substances from it, and blood cells and other normal elements return to the vessels. This procedure is usually used to quickly cleanse the blood. As a result, the level of not only creatinine decreases, but also other metabolic products ( urea, bilirubin, etc.).

The main indications for hemodialysis are:

acute and chronic renal failure in severe kidney disease;
some poisoning;
high levels of creatinine, urea and other toxic metabolic products;
excess fluid in the body, accompanied by severe edema ( lungs, brain, etc.).

Hemodialysis is prescribed by a doctor as one of the components of treatment. This method does not affect the elimination of the underlying pathology that led to kidney failure, but only maintains the normal functioning of the body. Many patients with chronic pathologies are forced to undergo hemodialysis regularly to prevent deterioration of the condition.

What pills and medicines to drink if creatinine is increased or decreased?

With reduced creatinine, no medication is usually required, as this does not pose a threat to the patient. Elevated creatinine is only a diagnostic indicator that indicates the presence of pathology. There are no specific drugs or medications that lower creatinine levels. The doctor prescribes those drugs that are necessary for the treatment of the underlying disease ( antibiotics against bacterial infection, corticosteroid drugs for autoimmune diseases, etc.). As a result, kidney function is gradually restored, and creatinine is reduced due to its natural excretion from the body in the urine.

How to reduce the content of creatinine folk remedies?

In the vast majority of cases, folk remedies cannot effectively help reduce creatinine. This substance is usually produced in the body in normal amounts, and the problem is that it cannot be excreted by the kidneys. Treatment tactics should be aimed at helping the kidneys and restoring glomerular filtration in the shortest possible time. Folk remedies in these cases give a temporary effect, and creatinine will soon accumulate again. In addition, the main problem for the body is not high creatinine, but the accumulation of other toxic substances in the blood.

To lower the level of creatinine in the blood, the following folk remedies can be used:

Nettle tea. Dry nettle leaves are brewed in a thermos for 6-8 hours ( 2 tablespoons per 0.5 liters of boiling water). It is recommended to drink this tea 2-3 cups a day.
Sage root. Tea based on sage root can be purchased at many pharmacies. Also, the sage root can be dried on its own, and then brewed 2 - 3 full teaspoons per liter of boiling water.
Rosehip infusion. 2 tablespoons of wild rose are poured with 1 liter of boiling water and infused for at least 4 hours. Infusion drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.
Dill seeds. Dry dill seeds are poured with boiling water ( 1 full teaspoon for half a glass of water) and allowed to cool to room temperature ( no need to refrigerate). After that, the infusion is decanted through folded gauze, and the water is drunk before meals.

Most of these drugs have a diuretic effect and improve kidney function. In a healthy body, this contributes to the removal of creatinine from the blood in the urine. However, in case of serious kidney diseases, when they filter the blood so poorly, the use of these infusions can seriously aggravate the patient's condition. Directing blood to the kidneys and overloading them with liquid is simply dangerous. That is why, before using any folk remedies, you need to consult a specialist and determine the cause of the increase in creatinine in the blood or urine.

Do I need to increase creatinine?

Since the process of metabolism of creatine and creatine phosphate occurs continuously in the body, creatine is also constantly formed. A decrease in its level in analyzes is extremely rare in medical practice. This usually indicates a slowdown in metabolic processes and reduced muscle work, which can occur with a number of pathologies. However, low creatinine itself is not dangerous, and it is not specifically necessary to increase it.

Most often, low creatinine occurs in the following pathological and physiological ( normal) states:

severe exhaustion;
adherence to a strict diet or long-term vegetarian diet;
some diseases accompanied by paralysis and muscular dystrophy;
long-term treatment with certain drugs ( glucocorticoids, etc.);
the first weeks of pregnancy.

If the level of creatinine is low in the urine, this indicates severe kidney damage. This means that other organs are working normally, but there is practically no filtering. In such cases, an urgent need to see a doctor to start treatment for kidney disease. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Creatinine is a by-product of the breakdown of a substance called creatine, which converts food into energy. Creatinine is “born” in the muscles, and then enters the bloodstream. He is an active participant in energy metabolism in various human tissues.

In its excretion (together with urine) from the body, the kidneys play an important role. This is why plasma creatinine levels can tell a lot about the kidney system. He will talk about a number of diseases of the muscles, as well as the urinary system.

Symptoms of elevated creatinine

An increase in creatinine concentration is by no means a rare phenomenon. It's called hypercreatinemia. Directly, it does not create any special problems for the body, since creatinine is a low-toxic substance. Its harmful effect on tissues is possible only with significant deviations from the norm.

Fluctuations in the concentration of creatinine and its growth is a consequence of a variety of painful conditions and ailments. It signals the presence of pathology in the body. Therefore, hypercreatinemia itself does not manifest itself. Basically, it is combined with some other manifestations that prompt a study on the content of creatinine. These symptoms are:

muscle pain;
puffiness;
muscle weakness, fatigue;
the amount of daily urine either sharply decreases or increases significantly;
pathological changes occur in the urine: an excess of protein, erythrocytes and leukocytes appears;
there are pains in the lumbar region;
high pressure occurs.

Elevated creatinine levels are detected using a special blood test. Additionally, urine is studied. If the creatinine in the blood is higher than normal, and in the urine, on the contrary, it is less, then this is a symptom that the patient has hypercreatinemia.

Why creatinine levels rise and hypercreatinemia occurs

The origin and development of hypercreatinemia can occur at any stage of the metabolic process involving creatinine. It can take two forms: moderate and severe.

Moderate hypercreatinemia is caused by the following non-pathological factors:

excessive physical activity and artificial build-up of muscle mass with the help of special drugs (they are often abused by weightlifters);
long sitting on strict low-carbohydrate diets, the main feature of which is the consumption of large amounts of protein foods while refusing carbohydrate-rich foods. This leads to the breakdown of muscles, which, due to a lack of carbohydrates, begin to serve as their source;
taking certain types of medications (tetracycline, ibuprofen, and some others);
the period of maturation of the body;
severe dehydration (fluid loss);
excessive consumption of substances rich in creatine with food (this is, first of all, meat and fish products);
excess body weight;
During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
physical old age.

A moderate form of hypercreatinemia can also be caused by a number of diseases. Here are the main ones:

Autoimmune diseases that are accompanied by severe damage to connective tissues: vasculitis, arthritis, lupus.
Various endocrine disorders that lead to disruptions in metabolic processes, including: diabetes mellitus; hypothyroidism (hyperactive thyroid gland) - it dramatically reduces the filtering capabilities of the kidneys; adrenal hyperactivity.
A variety of kidney diseases (including renal failure), due to which the so-called glomerular filtration in the kidneys worsens, and creatinine is not completely removed.
Liver damage (cirrhosis, inflammation and intoxication).
Myasthenia.
Severe extensive burns.
Gangrenes of extremities and accompanying necrosis of tissues.

Now let's move on to the acute, pronounced form of hypercreatinemia. It occurs due to diseases such as:

Renal failure 3-4 degrees.
Severe muscular dystrophy.
Crush syndrome (it occurs when a person is in an unnatural position for a long time, for example, under the rubble of a collapsed building).
Leptospirosis and other types of severe infections.
Cancer diseases.

How to reduce plasma creatinine levels

If your creatinine level is high, your doctor will usually prescribe:

Drugs (for example, lespeflan and ketosteril) that normalize protein metabolism and help the body get rid of their metabolic products.
Hemodialysis (if there is acute renal failure).
Hypoglycemic drugs (in the presence of diabetes).
Medicines that lower blood pressure if it is elevated (for example, hydrochlorothiazide).

To bring the creatinine to normal, the doctor may also prescribe laser physiotherapy.

Massages are often prescribed by the doctor. They relax the body, normalize blood circulation and help the kidneys deal with creatinine.

Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications that increase creatine levels. These include, for example, cyclosporine and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. They are prescribed in the treatment of certain kidney diseases.

Also, probably, the doctor will prescribe to refuse the use of certain food additives (vanadium and others).

Alternative and folk methods of treatment

Traditional and alternative medicine can offer many different ways to deal with elevated creatine. For example, it is recommended to use rice water and herbal preparations.

Osmotherapy is an interesting way to treat a disease that came to us from China. The method is based on the use of therapeutic baths, which have a beneficial effect on blood circulation and normalize kidney function.

What diet to follow if creatinine is elevated

plant foods high in vitamins A, B2, and C;
various cereals;
bakery products from wholemeal flour;
dairy products.

Due to the increased level of creatinine in the blood plasma, you will have to almost completely exclude from your diet protein-rich meat, fatty, salty, fried and smoked foods, due to which the fluid is more slowly excreted from the body, and the level of nitrogenous compounds increases.

However, this does not mean that you need to forget about the existence of products with protein. You just need to use those of them in which there is not too much of it (for example, various plant products).

In addition, you will have to give up:

coffee and strong tea;
alcoholic beverages (even with a low alcohol content) and cigarettes;
foods with a high percentage of phosphorus or potassium (if the kidneys are “junk”, these substances begin to accumulate in human organs).

Foods high in potassium include chocolate, raisins, sunflower seeds, bananas, beans, spinach, whole milk, and chips.

There is a lot of phosphorus in fish, pork, soy, nuts, cheese and zucchini.

The amount of salt consumed must be limited. In the daily diet, it should not exceed 3 grams.

Prevention

In order for creatinine not to go beyond the normal range, it is necessary to maintain normal water metabolism in the body and for this to use such an amount of fluid that the kidneys are able to cope with. In addition, you need not to physically overstrain the body, sleep regularly and enough, do not disturb the diet.

Elevated creatinine levels can lead to serious problems with the kidneys and other organs of the body. It is necessary to do everything possible so that its content remains normal, and for this to observe a number of, in general, simple preventive measures.

Don't let this dangerous substance poison your life, keep it in check and stay healthy.

Creatinine is the final concentrate in the blood, transported through the blood to the kidneys, where it is filtered and excreted in urea. It is made from creatine - a kind "generator" of energy in the muscles.

As a rule, its level remains unchanged for an extended period of time due to constant muscle mass. Against the background of taking certain medications, as well as due to excessive consumption of meat, salty, fried, spicy foods rich in sodium or protein, or after heavy physical labor, the amount of creatinine increases even in those patients who do not have a predisposition to kidney disease. Levels are lower in vegetarians and the elderly.

Creatinine in the blood: enough reliable indicator of normal kidney function. A high level indicates a violation of their work. This level will increase in direct proportion to the deterioration of kidney function and the decrease in the efficiency of creatinine filtration.

(Endogenous) creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate (GFR): more accurate. It shows how well the kidneys filter the final product. This is a combination of two tests: a 24-hour urine test and a blood test.

Nitrogen to Creatine Ratio: This analysis helps to find out if what causes kidney dysfunction whether the cause is the kidneys themselves or a disease unrelated to them. If both nitrogen and creatine levels are elevated, it means that the kidneys are seriously damaged. If the level of nitrogen is low and creatine is normal, then the kidneys in this case are usually not damaged, and the cause is dehydration or heart failure.

The specialist explains why creatinine studies are carried out

Ask your question to the doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics

Anna Poniaeva. She graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy (2007-2014) and residency in clinical laboratory diagnostics (2014-2016).

Often elevated levels in children are indicative of bacteremia and are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.