Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function: What You Need to Know

Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Hello, doctor.
During this year's company health check, all results were normal except for my creatinine level, which is 1.3 (normal range 0.7-1.2 mg/dL).
There is no proteinuria or hematuria.
I am 28 years old; does this mean I have chronic kidney disease? Does smoking affect creatinine levels? Do I need further tests? Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/08

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

According to the report you provided (creatinine 1.3), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is only 66 mL/min/1.73m², which is indeed low (normal is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m²).
This indicates stage 2 chronic kidney disease.
It is recommended to consult a nephrologist for further examination and to check for any risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.
Additionally, smoking can worsen chronic kidney disease.
Thank you for your inquiry.
The Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health.

Reply Date: 2017/08/08

More Info

Understanding creatinine levels and kidney function is crucial for assessing overall health, especially when it comes to kidney health. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is typically filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Therefore, elevated levels of creatinine in the blood can indicate impaired kidney function.
In your case, a creatinine level of 1.3 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range (0.7-1.2 mg/dL). However, it is essential to interpret this result in the context of your overall health, age, and any other potential risk factors. At 28 years old, a mild elevation in creatinine does not automatically mean you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially since you mentioned that there is no presence of proteinuria (protein in urine) or hematuria (blood in urine). The absence of these indicators is a positive sign, as they are often associated with kidney damage or disease.

Several factors can influence creatinine levels, including hydration status, muscle mass, diet, and certain medications. For instance, dehydration can lead to a temporary increase in creatinine levels, while a high-protein diet can also elevate creatinine due to increased muscle metabolism. Additionally, smoking can affect kidney function over time, but its immediate impact on creatinine levels may not be significant. Chronic smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney disease, but it is just one of many factors.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to monitor your creatinine levels over time rather than jumping to conclusions about chronic kidney disease. A single elevated creatinine reading does not confirm CKD. Your healthcare provider may recommend repeat testing to see if the creatinine level remains elevated or if it returns to normal. They may also consider additional tests, such as estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which provides a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function.

If you have any risk factors for kidney disease, such as a family history of kidney problems, diabetes, hypertension, or if you are a smoker, it would be wise to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and regular exercise, which can all contribute to better kidney health.

In summary, while your creatinine level is slightly elevated, it does not necessarily indicate chronic kidney disease, especially in the absence of other concerning symptoms. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain kidney function and overall health. If you have further concerns or if your creatinine levels continue to rise, consulting a nephrologist (kidney specialist) would be a beneficial next step.

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