Elevated Creatinine and BUN

Recently my doctor discovered that the creatinine level in my blood is 5.7 mg/l and BUN is 57.4 mg/l. The doctor has ordered more tests including 24 hr. urine total protien and Ultra Sound of kidneys. I have also been diagonized with high blood pressure in the range of 160/120 - 140/100. The doctor put me on medication (Toprol XL) for high blood pressure. Does the elevated creatinine and BUN always indicate a problem with the kidneys or are there other reasons for this?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

An elevated creatinine is indicative of kidney disease.  There are plenty of reasons that can cause kindey disease - I will list some of them here.  A creatinine level that high needs to be evaluated, and a 24-hr urine protein and ultrasound are reasonable next steps.

The causes of renal failure is vast.  Some examples include medications (i.e NSAIDs, or cyclosporine), heart failure, cirrhosis, hypertension, glomerular disease (i.e. diseases of the kidneys), kidney toxins, infections, automimmune diseases, or renal vascular disease.

I strongly suggest continued followup with your personal physician.

I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[loredo]

A related discussion, excessive urination was started.