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Urology (Expert Forum)
Creatinine level/Kidney Problem
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Creatinine level/Kidney Problem
by Joseph__0, Jan 19, 1999 12:00AM
Hi,
I recently had a blood chemistry done that revealed a creatinine of 1.4. (I think .4 to 1.2 was the normal range) All of my other values were normal. (BUN, Etc...)
What does this mean? Is this an indication that I might have a kidney problem or a kidney stone, etc...?
What can be done about this..change of diet?, drink more water?
The physician did not seem concerened but I am a little.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance,
-Joseph
I recently had a blood chemistry done that revealed a creatinine of 1.4. (I think .4 to 1.2 was the normal range) All of my other values were normal. (BUN, Etc...)
What does this mean? Is this an indication that I might have a kidney problem or a kidney stone, etc...?
What can be done about this..change of diet?, drink more water?
The physician did not seem concerened but I am a little.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance,
-Joseph
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs M.D.-AK, Jan 19, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Joseph,
Creatinine is produced in proportion to the total muscle mass. If you are a very large or muscular individual, you might have a slightly elevated creatinine. You could also be an exercise fanatic, the constant formation of creatinine may at times exceed the ability of your kidneys to eliminate this by-product of creatine. I don’t think that one spot value in time is a reason to think you have kidney failure or a renal stone, but rather a value that should be repeated to establish a trend or a baseline value.
I personally would not go changing my diet or start drinking enormous quantities of water until a problem has been established. Normal lab values are meant to categorize the majority of people in to safe ranges. If you are slightly out of this range , which you are, this simply means that further evaluation or consideration of why this value is elevated needs to be performed. If your doctor says this is nothing to be concerned about, I would believe him. If you are still concerned or have symptoms that concern you, I would repeat the test before altering your lifestyle. Continue to consult your physician, if there is something a Urologist needs to handle, a referral would be in order. Good Luck!
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:Kidney
