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Urologic Cancers (Expert Forum)
LOW CREATIN LEVEL
Answered by
Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch. - Prostate Cancer, Robotic Prostatectomy, Urology, Oncology, Surgery
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
New York - NY
This forum is for quesitons about: Abdominal Pain, Anemia, Back Pain (lower back), Biopsy, Bone Scan, Bladder Cancer, Blood in Urine, Bone Pain or Tenderness, Colon Cancer, Cystoscopy, Ejaculation Pain, Genetic or Other Markers, Incontinence, IVP, Kidney Cancer, MRI of Abdomen, Penis Cancer, Radiation Therapy, Renal Pelvis Cancer, Renal Scan, Robotic Surgery, Testicular Cancer, Ultrasound, Ureter Cancer, Urinalysis, Urinary Difficulties.
LOW CREATIN LEVEL
by Down In Miami, Jul 18, 2007 12:00AM
I am in my mid-50's and I was recently told after the 24-hour urine test that I had a slightly low creatine level. Not sure specifics/levels, but I had a comprehensive metabolic panel w/egfr in March 2007 (3 months earlier than the current 24-hour test). At the time my Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 14; my creatine was 1.0; and my Bun/Creatine Ratio was 14. Calcium level was 9.7. Protein, Total was 7.2.
I don't have another appointment with my urologist until October 2007. Is this something I should try to make an earlier appointment for, or does this appear to be normal.
My family doctor told me it's probably nothing to worry about, but I had prostate cancer surgery last year, and am worried about possibly having something more serious.
I also have Gilberts' Syndrome which makes my bilirubin total always a little high.
Appreciate your input.
I don't have another appointment with my urologist until October 2007. Is this something I should try to make an earlier appointment for, or does this appear to be normal.
My family doctor told me it's probably nothing to worry about, but I had prostate cancer surgery last year, and am worried about possibly having something more serious.
I also have Gilberts' Syndrome which makes my bilirubin total always a little high.
Appreciate your input.
Doctor's Answer
by Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch., Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
Your serum creatinine is in the normal range, and this is therefore not worrisome at this point of time. You will need to monitor this periodically.
There are two additional tests (which may have been already done)- your urine could be checked for proteinuria, and additionally a renal scan with calculation of total and split GFRs could be done. The former is a simple test and can be readily done (qualitative- and then followed up with 24-H quantitative if required), the latter although a relatively simple test, is usually done only when the kidney function needs to be calculated. If the scan is done it will form a useful baseline to follow-up the renal function.
There are different ways to manage a patient. With a repeat serum creatinine of 1.0 and no other abnormalities on physical or labs, it would be fair to NOT get a renal scan done at this point of time, unless you specifically state that you are worried and require it to be done.
There are two additional tests (which may have been already done)- your urine could be checked for proteinuria, and additionally a renal scan with calculation of total and split GFRs could be done. The former is a simple test and can be readily done (qualitative- and then followed up with 24-H quantitative if required), the latter although a relatively simple test, is usually done only when the kidney function needs to be calculated. If the scan is done it will form a useful baseline to follow-up the renal function.
There are different ways to manage a patient. With a repeat serum creatinine of 1.0 and no other abnormalities on physical or labs, it would be fair to NOT get a renal scan done at this point of time, unless you specifically state that you are worried and require it to be done.
Results are as follows:
24 HR Urine Volume 10
5-HIAA, 24 HR Urine 0.0
Creatine, 24 Hour Urine 0.02L
Since the full metabolic panel 3 months earlier were within range, would this change anything from your previous comments.
Again, appreciate your response/assistance.