Creatinine variation

[lemosperceo]

Hello,

In August, 18th 2007 I went to urgent care because I was feeling quite sick. They ran blood tests, which came back normal, except for 3 things:

Creatinine was high at 1.6 and RDW was also high at 15.5. Glucose was also high.
The lab where I usually have these blood work done has 1.3 for upper *normal* level for creatinine. I followed up with my PCD and had the blood test again in August 22nd, 2007, which showed creatinine level back to 1.3.

Name Normal Range                                 12/13/06 3/31/07 8/18/07 8/22/07
GLUCOSE (mg/dL) 70-99 mg/dL                      99      95      114 H   104 H
UREA NITROGEN (mg/dL) 7-18.0 mg/dL          15      14      14         11
CREATININE (mg/dL) 0.8-1.3 mg/dL                1.2     1.3      1.6 H     1.3

In both occasions I wasn't fasting.

Next week I am going for my physical and will have all these tests done again. I am quite nervous of finding out that I indeed have a major kidney desease like cancer. I've been also monitoring my blood pressure, which also seems to fluctuate a considerably.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thank you very much.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Mild elevations in creatinine can be from many causes, and it's a good idea to monitor for any worsening.  Examining the urine sediment can be helpful to look for telltale signs of illness.  If it worsens, a nephrologist can consider various ways to protect your kidneys.  Cancer isn't a common reason for elevated creatinine, i'd worry more about cancer if you had unexplained blood in your urine.

Have a fasting glucose done with your physical next week.

Good luck!

[lemosperceo]

Yes.
I forgot to mention that in early August I did have trace of microscopic blood in my urine. I had a few urine tests done afterwards with no abnormal findings. I also had a CT Scan done of my lower abdomen and pelvis with nothing showing.

My PCD at that time believed that the blood in the urine was a single event and that the higher creatinine probably due to my intense workouts and diet high in protein.

Thank you very much.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

the follow up urine analyses without microscopic blood is reassuring.  it's also reassuring you don't have casts or sediment.  The CT scan should have ruled out nephrolithiasis - renal stones.

The higher creatinine could certainly be from protein rich diet and working out, since it's normalized now.