Does Diarrhea Affect Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?

Q: Does Diarrhea Affect Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?

Hello, Ms. <br>Ge： The creatinine levels of 0.65 and 0.85 are both within the normal range, so I believe there is no need to worry about (or consider) whether the changes in creatinine levels are related to gastroenteritis. <br>Thank you!

Elevated creatinine levels?

Hello, doctor.
My mother has chronic kidney disease, so I had my creatinine level tested at the end of May, which was 0.65.
After a health check at the end of August, I found that my creatinine level had risen to 0.85.
However, I had been experiencing gastroenteritis with multiple episodes of watery diarrhea for three days prior to the health check.
Could diarrhea affect the test results? Thank you.

Ge Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/16

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello, Ms.
Ge: The creatinine levels of 0.65 and 0.85 are both within the normal range, so I believe there is no need to worry about (or consider) whether the changes in creatinine levels are related to gastroenteritis.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2022/09/16

More Info

Diarrhea can indeed affect creatinine levels, particularly in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To understand this relationship, it's essential to consider how dehydration and changes in fluid balance can influence kidney function and the measurement of creatinine.

Creatinine is a waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue and is typically filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. In healthy individuals, creatinine levels in the blood remain relatively stable, but in those with CKD, these levels can fluctuate based on various factors, including hydration status, dietary intake, and overall kidney function.

When a person experiences diarrhea, especially if it is severe or prolonged, they can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a reduction in blood volume, which may cause the kidneys to conserve water and concentrate waste products in the blood, including creatinine. As a result, the creatinine level may appear elevated due to this dehydration effect, rather than a true decline in kidney function.
In your mother's case, the increase in creatinine from 0.65 to 0.85 mg/dL over a few months, coinciding with episodes of diarrhea, could suggest that the rise in creatinine may be influenced by her hydration status during the time of testing. If she was dehydrated due to diarrhea, this could lead to a temporary increase in creatinine levels.
It's also important to consider that in chronic kidney disease, even small changes in creatinine levels can indicate changes in kidney function. Therefore, while diarrhea can influence creatinine levels, it is crucial to interpret these results in the context of her overall health, kidney function, and any other symptoms she may be experiencing.

In clinical practice, if a patient with CKD presents with elevated creatinine levels during a period of diarrhea, healthcare providers often recommend re-evaluating kidney function after the patient has recovered from the gastrointestinal illness and is adequately hydrated. This can help determine whether the increase in creatinine is a transient effect of dehydration or indicative of a more significant decline in kidney function.

In summary, diarrhea can affect creatinine levels, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is essential to consider hydration status and other factors when interpreting these results. If there are concerns about kidney function or if the creatinine levels remain elevated after recovery from diarrhea, it would be advisable to consult with a nephrologist for further evaluation and management. Regular monitoring of kidney function is crucial in patients with CKD to ensure timely intervention and management of any complications that may arise.

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