Causes of high creatinine in the blood. Elevated blood creatinine levels

Creatinine(creatine) is a molecular structure that is a product of muscle metabolism. Creatinine is produced from creatine, a molecule that is important in the energy supply of muscles. Every day, approximately 2% of the human body's creatine is converted to creatinine. Creatinine is transported through the blood to the kidneys, where it is filtered to form urine. The bulk of creatinine is excreted by the kidneys. During the day, the amount of creatinine circulating in the blood remains almost at the same level. This is due to the fact that a person’s muscle mass also does not undergo changes. Creatinine content directly depends on lean body mass; in men this figure will be significantly higher than in women.

Why is it important to check your blood creatinine level?

The kidneys maintain blood creatinine levels within a certain range. Accordingly, impaired renal function leads to impaired creatinine excretion in the urine. Thus, creatinine is a universal indicator of normal kidney function.

If renal function is impaired, regardless of the cause, the level of creatinine in the blood will increase.

Very high blood creatinine levels may indicate kidney failure in various stages. It is for this reason that it is important to monitor the normal level of creatinine in the blood by performing a standard biochemical blood test. A more accurate method of determining kidney function is to estimate how much creatinine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys over a given time. This parameter displays creatinine clearance.

What is a normal blood creatinine level?

The normal level of creatinine in the blood of women and men has different meanings. This is due to the fact that muscle mass in men, as a rule, is greater than in women, and accordingly, the normal level of creatinine in the blood is higher.

Normal blood creatinine levels range from 71-106 µmol/L in adult men and 36-90 µmol/L in adult women.
In older people, however, creatinine levels may be even lower than the normal average.

Young men with developed muscles or middle-aged men may have slightly higher creatinine levels in their blood. In older people, however, cretinin levels may be even lower than the normal average. The creatinine norm for children is about 20 µmol/l, depending on muscle development. People with poor nutrition, severe weight loss, and long-term muscle diseases also tend to have lower creatinine levels.

In people with one kidney, the creatinine norm is on average 180 - 190 µmol/l. A blood test that detects creatinine levels of 200 µmol or more for children and 400 µmol or more for adults may indicate severe kidney dysfunction. If creatinine levels are 800 µmol or more, it is necessary to consider emergency blood dialysis using a special machine.

What are the causes of increased creatinine?

With any impairment of kidney function, an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood is possible. In this case, it is important to find out how long the impaired kidney function has existed in the body.

What symptoms appear when creatinine increases?

Symptoms of impaired renal function (renal failure) vary widely. Often, the manifestation of impaired renal function (renal failure) occurs after heavy physical activity. In this case, pain or heaviness occurs in the lumbar region. Some symptoms of increased creatinine include:

• feeling of exhaustion;
• feeling tired;
• labored breathing;
• confusion;
• other nonspecific symptoms.

When performing a test for creatinine content, as well as determining creatinine clearance, you can find out the level of waste products of muscle tissue in the blood and urine. The results of these parameters reflect how well your kidneys are functioning. The substance creatine is formed as food is converted into energy through metabolism. Creatine is transformed into another substance called creatinine, which is excreted from the blood through the kidneys.

Creatinine production occurs at a constant rate regardless of diet or physical activity. If the kidneys are damaged and do not work adequately, the amount of creatinine in the urine decreases and its level in the blood increases.

There are three types of creatinine tests:

• Blood creatinine
• Creatinine clearance

The creatinine clearance indicator is somewhat more informative than the blood creatinine test. To determine this indicator, samples of your blood and urine are needed. Urine must be collected within 24 hours.

This indicator is performed to diagnose dehydration.

How to prepare for a creatinine level test:

You should not eat more than 200 g of meat, especially beef, or other protein-rich food 24 hours before the test;

Be sure to drink enough fluids during the 24-hour urine collection, and avoid drinking coffee or strong tea.

How is a creatinine test performed?

Blood collection

After treating the elbow area with alcohol, the nurse will apply a pressure tourniquet to the shoulder in order to stop the flow of blood through the veins and increase the pressure in the vessels. Then, using a sterile needle and syringe, the nurse will puncture a vein in the elbow area and take a few milliliters of blood. After that, a patch with sterile cotton wool moistened with a disinfectant solution is glued to the injection area.

• Urine collection begins in the first half of the day. After you wake up, you need to urinate, but you do not need to collect this urine. All subsequent portions of urine will need to be collected in a sterile container with a volume of 4-5 liters. You cannot separate urine into different containers. You should also avoid touching the inner surface with your hands. This container should be kept in a dark, cool place, the ideal place for this is the refrigerator
• Store the container of collected urine in the refrigerator for 24 hours;
• It is necessary to empty the bladder for the last time exactly 24 hours after the first urination, that is, the last portion of urine should be the morning portion of urine the next day;
• The collected urine should not contain foreign objects or substances, for example: toilet paper, pubic hair, feces, menstrual blood, etc.

Possible risks when taking a blood test for creatinine

• As a result of blood sampling, a small subcutaneous hematoma may form.
• In rare cases, swelling may occur at the injection site. This is a manifestation of phlebitis. In this case, it is necessary to apply a warm compress for several days.
• Bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. The likelihood of bleeding from the injection site increases the use of certain medications, such as, for example, aspirin, warfarin and other blood thinning drugs.

Blood test results for creatinine

Normal creatinine values ​​may vary among laboratories depending on the reagents used. More precisely, it is not the parameters that vary, but the units of measurement.

High creatinine values ​​on blood test results

A high blood creatinine level may indicate serious kidney damage. Kidney damage can be caused by a life-threatening infection, shock, cancer, or low blood flow to the kidneys. Other conditions that may cause high blood creatinine levels include blockage of the normal flow of urine (eg, kidney stones), heart failure, dehydration, excessive blood loss that leads to hypodynamic shock, gout, or muscle pathology (eg, rhabdomyolysis, gigantism, acromegaly, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy or polymyositis). Typically, high blood creatinine levels mean that creatinine clearance is lower than normal;

High creatinine clearance can be caused by exercise, muscle damage (especially muscle tears), burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothyroidism, and pregnancy;

High nitrogen to creatinine ratios occur in acute renal failure, which may be caused by shock or severe dehydration. Blockages in the urinary tract (such as kidney stones) can also cause the nitrogen to creatinine ratio to increase. A very high nitrogen to creatinine ratio can be caused by bleeding in the digestive tract or respiratory tract.

Low creatinine values ​​on blood test results

• Low blood creatinine levels may indicate decreased muscle mass caused by a disease such as muscular dystrophy. Low creatinine levels may also indicate some types of severe liver disease or may occur with a very low protein diet. Another reason for a decrease in blood creatinine is pregnancy.
• Low creatinine clearance may indicate severe kidney dysfunction, such as life-threatening infections, shock, cancer, low blood flow to the kidneys, or urinary tract blockage. Heart failure, dehydration and liver disease (cirrhosis) can also cause low creatinine clearance.
• Low nitrogen to creatinine ratio may result from a low protein diet, severe muscle injury, rhabdomyolysis, pregnancy, liver cirrhosis, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficiency.

Creatinine arises from a metabolite of creatine, which is necessary for energy metabolism in muscle and nerve cells. It is actually a byproduct of everyday muscle contractions. Under normal conditions, it is filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body in urine.

Normal blood creatinine levels range from 60 to 110 µmol/L for men and 44 to 97 µmol/L for women.

Extremely elevated creatinine may be a sign of kidney damage or long-standing kidney failure.

Functional kidney damage may be due to severe infection or low blood flow to the kidneys. In turn, decreased blood flow or low blood pressure is a possible result of heart failure, heart disease, or severe dehydration.

A temporary increase in creatinine may occur regardless of kidney function due to:

• taking certain dietary supplements or medications
• dehydration
• consuming large amounts of meat or protein
• building muscle mass through weight lifting exercises.

Another cause of increased creatinine in the blood is lost glomerular kidney function. Diseases that affect the microscopic blood vessels in the glomeruli, such as diabetes, inflammatory or autoimmune kidney diseases, can damage the delicate structure involved in kidney filtration. Some inherited conditions (such as Goodpasture's syndrome), responses to infectious agents (such as streptococci), and problems caused by medications can also cause poor kidney function.

Athletes with large amounts of muscle mass may have elevated creatinine levels, but there is nothing dangerous about this.

Most underlying causes of elevated creatinine cause a few specific symptoms, but your doctor may be able to identify the exact condition by looking at the following clues:

1. Medication history: A number of drugs can cause an increase in creatinine levels. These include, in particular, the antiulcer drug Cimetidine, angiotensin receptor blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the antihypertensive drug Captopril and the immunosuppressive drug Cyclosporine. Elderly male patients with cardiovascular disease who are taking ACE inhibitors and/or thiazolidinedione medications are likely to have an increase in serum creatinine for several months after initiation of use. Although discontinuation of the drug results in a decrease in creatinine levels, the long-term effect of a brief increase in serum creatinine on the progression of renal disease is unknown.
2. Nutrition history: A vegetarian diet is associated with a decrease in creatinine, and consumption of cooked meat causes a transient increase in serum creatinine. Creatine is often taken as a supplement to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. Long-term consumption of creatine (more than 10 g per day) may increase serum creatinine concentrations.
3. Latest transactions: Elevated creatinine may indicate hypovolemia (decreased circulating blood volume), renal ischemia due to arterial compression during cardiac surgery, or problems with the kidney graft. Skin lesions, blue toes, pancreatitis, stroke, or angina following arterial manipulation, vascular surgery, stent placement, or cardiac catheterization may result from multiple organ failure syndrome. People with one kidney will have higher creatinine levels (up to 160 µmol/L) than people with both kidneys.
4. Anamnesis: It is important to determine whether the patient has a history of chronic or acute renal failure. Other underlying conditions that can cause elevated creatinine levels include: hypertension (hypertensive nephropathy), diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), inguinal lymphadenitis in men and women, autoimmune diseases (vasculitis), liver cirrhosis, lymphoproliferative disorders and infections (cryoglobulinemia).
5. Pregnancy: increased creatinine levels - suspicion of preeclampsia. However, kidney disease often worsens during pregnancy and should be ruled out first.

Proper nutrition for high blood creatinine

Many foods should be avoided when creatinine levels are above average. The goal of nutrition when blood creatinine is elevated is to protect residual kidney function and prevent kidney failure.

Doctors know that people with kidney problems always have elevated creatinine in the blood and its level increases to a dangerous degree, usually at least 560 µmol/L. This leads to the need for hemodialysis or a kidney transplant.

Eating certain foods can increase creatinine levels, so the following should be avoided in your diet:

1. High Protein Foods

   A low protein diet is usually recommended for patients with kidney disease, and this is because protein consumption increases the load on the kidneys, and therefore leads to an increase in creatinine levels. Beans, beans, fish, milk, egg whites and lean meats are all high protein foods and should be limited. However, to meet the physical needs of the body, patients with kidney disease can eat small amounts of fish, milk and lean meat. They contain high-quality protein and do not put much strain on the kidneys. Peggy Harum, a dietitian with the American Kidney Association, explains that patients should consume 0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. How much protein should you consume every day? This depends on the degree of kidney damage and the condition of the disease. Only the attending physician can give an exact recommendation. Limiting your intake of meat and other members of the protein family is not a permanent method of lowering creatinine levels, but it is a simple and useful method of controlling high creatinine levels.

2. Foods that contain a lot of phosphorus and potassium

   Inflated levels of potassium and phosphorus in the body, due to insufficient kidney function, are a typical problem for patients with kidney disease and elevated creatinine.

Therefore, if blood tests show that the amount of potassium and phosphorus is increased, foods that contain these substances should be strictly limited.

• They contain a lot of potassium: avocado, ground red pepper, chocolate, dried apricots, prunes, currants, raisins, pistachios, various nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and so on.
• Phosphorus is found in foods such as bran, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, cheese, sesame seeds, nuts, bacon, and so on.

Because poor nutrition and elevated blood creatinine levels increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, patients should consult an experienced dietitian. He will develop a nutrition plan to help manage your kidney disease and any other medical conditions.

Is it possible to reduce creatinine in the blood with the help of medications, foods and dialysis

Creatinine is simply a metabolic product in our body. Along with other waste, it leaves the body through urine. With increased creatinine, a large amount of toxins will accumulate in the blood and poison the body. Therefore, high creatinine also means high levels of toxins in the blood.

Dialysis is a medical procedure in which the blood is purified using a special machine, and then the purified blood is poured back into the body through a tube. Dialysis helps in reducing creatinine, but it is not a long-term solution because the procedure does not treat kidney damage to restore kidney function. That is, dialysis is simply a way to temporarily cleanse the blood of toxins.

How to reduce creatinine levels in the blood without resorting to dialysis?

As a result, the conversion of creatine to creatinine occurs at a slower pace and fewer toxins are formed in the blood.

Aim for six to nine hours of sleep per night, with seven or eight hours being ideal. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to physical stress. As a result, the kidneys will be less able to filter creatinine.

• Take hypoglycemic medications(after consultation with a doctor). One common cause of kidney damage is diabetes. It is very important for diabetics to maintain normal insulin levels. There are certain medications you can take to help control insulin in your blood. One of the most commonly prescribed hypoglycemic drugs is Repaglinide.
• A decrease in blood pressure contributes to a decrease in creatinine. Hypertension is a contributing factor to kidney damage. Your doctor may prescribe medications that contain benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Take medications to lower creatinine levels. For this purpose, the doctor may prescribe Ketosteril. The regular dose is usually 4 to 8 tablets per day. Other drugs to lower creatinine include alpha lipoic acid (an antioxidant), which can be used to help boost kidney function and neutralize toxins, and chitosan, a weight-control supplement that can also reduce the amount of creatinine in the blood. Obese people should have regular blood creatinine and cholesterol tests. The normal level of cholesterol in the blood (total, that is, both “bad” and “good”) is up to 5.2 mmol/l or 200 mg/dl.
• Avoid intense physical activity. This will prevent the conversion of creatine to creatinine.
• Cinnamon is one of the herbs used at home to reduce high creatinine levels. It is considered as a diuretic that can help increase urine output. People with urinary problems can drink cinnamon tea or add it as a spice to reduce blood creatinine. Additionally, patients with kidney disease can (with the permission of their doctor) take cinnamon in combination with ginseng and dandelion.

What does increased creatinine in urine mean?

Rhabdomyolysis is the medical term to describe the breakdown of muscle cells, which can cause elevated creatinine in the urine.

This may happen due to:

• long distance running;
• muscle injury;
• kidney problems;
• electric shock;
• as a result of certain infections.

Kidney problems that can lead to elevated creatinine in urine include the following:

• renal failure;
• glomerulonephritis;
• obstructions within the urinary tract.

To find out how much creatinine is in the blood and urine, a special test (creatinine clearance) is performed.

It involves drawing blood and the normal act of urination and does not cause any discomfort. There are also no risks associated with this test.

Why do you need a creatinine clearance test?

This test is done to see if the kidneys are working normally. It gives clearer results than a blood test alone. Creatinine is removed from the body and this “responsibility” lies entirely with the kidneys. Elevated creatinine in urine may indicate a kidney problem; that is, the kidneys are unable to excrete creatinine. It could also indicate a muscle problem, as muscle cells send creatinine to the kidneys.

How the test is performed:

After the patient provides a urine sample, it is tested in a laboratory.

How to prepare for the test

• Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications to prevent them from interfering with your test results. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take. These include antibiotics with cefoxitin or trimethoprimacymetidine.
• Do not do any strenuous exercise for 2 days before the test.
• Do not eat more than 227 g of protein food in the 24 hours before your blood creatinine and urine tests.
• Drink water, juices, and herbal teas while collecting urine, but avoid coffee and black tea. The latter are classified as diuretics.

Normal results on urine test

• Urine creatinine levels (a 24-hour sample collected from both daytime and nighttime voids) can range from 106-140 ml/min in men under 40 years of age, and 85-105 ml in women under 40 years of age. /min.
• Another way of expressing the normal range for test results is 14 to 26 mg per kg of body weight per day for men and 11 to 20 mg per kg of body weight per day for women.

Abnormal urine creatinine results may be due to any of the following conditions:

• Addiction to meat products.
• Kidney problems, such as tubular cell damage or pyelonephritis.
• Too little blood flow to the kidneys.
• Destruction of muscle cells (rhabdomyolysis), or loss of muscle tissue (myasthenia gravis).
• Obstruction of the urinary tract.

The presence of a low level of creatinine in the blood does not indicate anything other than the effective functioning of a pair of kidneys.

With normally functioning kidneys, the level of creatinine in the urine should be high compared to the blood.

Conversely, if the level of creatinine in the urine is low but the level in the blood is high, this indicates a problem that should be addressed by a doctor.

One of the most important indicators in laboratory blood tests is creatinine. What is creatinine? This is the final product of protein breakdown, which takes an active part in the energy processes of muscle and other tissues of the body.

general information

Creatinine synthesis occurs in the liver, from where it enters the circulatory system, then into the kidneys and is excreted along with urine. During their normal functioning, it should not accumulate in the body.

The level of creatinine in the blood is different for men, women and children, since the amount of this substance depends on the person’s muscle mass, age, and gender. Under the influence of pathological and physiological factors, its concentration changes, an increase in which is a signal of a malfunction in the body.

Signs of an elevated natural metabolite

What is creatinine? It is a derivative of creatine, necessary for the reproduction of energy in the muscles. Symptoms indicating the need for a blood test:

• fast fatiguability;
• general persistent weakness;
• swelling of the legs;
• pale skin;
• muscle pain;
• decrease in the amount of urine excreted.

Pathologies in which creatinine is higher than normal

Increased creatinine in the blood - the indicator increases with uncontrolled exercise. And also when performing physical exercises that help build muscle mass, high consumption of protein foods and taking certain medications (antibiotics, cephalosporins). In addition, the substance increases due to pathologies associated with metabolism in the body:

• radiation sickness;
• dehydration;
• various diseases of the endocrine system;
• renal failure;
• mechanical damage to muscle tissue or damage associated with surgical interventions.

We can talk about ill health only in cases of repeated excess of creatinine in the blood from the norm.

Diseases that doctors diagnose based on the results of biochemical analysis:

1. Oncology. Metastases and malignant neoplasms destroy muscle tissue. There are forms of cancer in which serious changes occur in the liver and kidneys, which inevitably leads to an increase in creatinine.
2. Injuries to muscle tissue. A natural metabolite is released from damaged muscles with extensive lesions. This indicator returns to normal during healing.
3. Disorders related to the endocrine system. Excessive production of hormonal substances destroys muscle tissue, and as a result, creatinine increases. The danger lies in the fact that the disease is asymptomatic for a long time.
4. Renal dysfunction. With certain pathologies, the organ fails to cope with its function, and harmful substances remain in the blood and are not excreted in urine. If the values ​​are critical, the doctor prescribes a dialysis procedure for the patient.
5. Heart failure. Heart muscle cells are destroyed and promote the release of creatinine, as a result of which it increases in the bloodstream.
6. Nephrectomy. When one kidney is removed, the second takes on the entire load, and therefore the indicators can be increased.

Physiological reasons for high levels of natural metabolite

The reasons for increased creatinine in some situations are not pathology. These are conditions in which muscle mass increases:

• Intensive sports activities. Its amount may be at the highest permissible limit or higher.
• When changing your lifestyle to a more active and mobile one.
• When taking certain medications: tetracycline antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and others. As a result of biochemical reactions, creatinine is formed and penetrates into the blood.
• Eating large amounts of meat also contributes to the excessive entry of this substance into the blood.

Clearance

What is creatinine? This is a substance that is produced as a result of biochemical reactions in muscle tissue.

In order to identify the reasons for its increase, it is calculated using a special formula that takes into account the age and weight of a person. This is how creatinine clearance is calculated. If it is low, this is due to the presence of pathology, namely renal failure.

Low excesses of creatinine levels from the permissible norm can be corrected by diet:

• Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Dehydration increases this indicator in the blood. In addition, a lack of fluid in the body leads to a decrease in the volume of urine excreted, which also increases this substance. On the other hand, excess water negatively affects the functioning of the kidneys; they cannot cope. Excessive fluid intake can cause high blood pressure, which puts more strain on the kidneys. Your doctor will help you correct the correct one.
• The amount of protein foods consumed should not exceed 250 grams per day.
• Fatty foods of animal origin should be avoided. You need to give preference to vegetable proteins.
• Limiting salt intake. The average amount per day should not exceed three grams, since its high content in food retains fluid in the body, increases blood pressure and, as a result, increases the concentration of the natural metabolite.
• Foods high in phosphorus also negatively affect this indicator and make it difficult for the kidneys to function. It is recommended to limit intake of: zucchini, pumpkin, cheese, nuts, soy and low-fat dairy products.
• Minimize potassium intake. The trace element accumulates in the body, and unhealthy kidneys cannot cope with its excretion in the required quantities.

Ways to reduce creatinine

1. In addition to diet, it is necessary to reduce physical activity. Physical exercise helps to more quickly convert food that enters the body into energy. As a result, more creatinine is formed, and its concentration in the blood increases. However, moderate physical activity is necessary for health. In this case, it is important to find a balance. For example, instead of playing basketball, do yoga or walking.
2. Adequate sleep of at least 8 hours certainly has a positive effect on kidney function. If a person constantly does not get enough sleep, then the body experiences stress, which provokes more active muscle work with or without normal activity. This condition, in turn, affects the functioning of the kidneys, which begin to filter out this product insufficiently.
3. Monitor blood pressure values ​​and, if necessary, take medications regularly.
4. In the case of existing diabetes mellitus, constant drug therapy is necessary, since this disease is one of the causes of kidney pathology, and, accordingly, increased creatinine levels.
5. If necessary, the attending doctor prescribes medications or biologically active supplements that help normalize the concentration of creatinine in the blood.
6. Laser therapy improves kidney function, and they filter out and eliminate waste products more intensively.
7. Massage sessions relieve stress, improve blood circulation, relax the entire body and normalize sleep.

Reasons for low concentration of natural metabolite

Reduced creatinine levels in the blood - what is it? There are conditions in which the level of this substance decreases:

• fasting for a long time;
• vegetarianism;
• insufficient consumption of protein foods;
• muscle atrophy that occurs with a stationary or sedentary lifestyle;
• taking hormonal drugs: corticosteroids.

During certain periods of life, the female half of the population experiences a physiological decrease in creatinine concentration: in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. By the third indicator the indicator is normalized.

How is elevated creatinine treated?

Measures are taken to eliminate the cause. The patient is given intravenous medications - sorbents and diuretics, which increase diuresis and help the kidneys excrete this substance. Such manipulations are effective provided that the urinary system functions normally and exogenous or endogenous creatinine enters the blood. In case of renal failure, hemodialysis is prescribed. In this case, the blood is purified using a special “artificial kidney” device in a hospital setting. This procedure is carried out three times a week.

Traditional medicine also offers several ways to reduce creatinine. The use of medicinal herbs is possible provided that kidney function is normal. Teas are brewed from herbs that have a diuretic effect: sage and nettle leaves; from dandelion roots. Daily intake of drinks activates the kidneys and stimulates increased secretion of urine, and, accordingly, creatinine. Before you begin to reduce it, you should consult a doctor to determine treatment tactics.

Alternative Methods

The end product of metabolism in muscle tissue is what creatinine is. You can try to reduce it using alternative methods. Osmotherapy is a natural therapy that uses Chinese-made drugs selected individually for each patient. They can be used both externally and internally, using a special device - an osmoscope. This method belongs to Chinese traditional medicine. Using it, you can cope with minor pathological processes in the kidneys.

Therapeutic baths are also part of this method of reducing the concentration of the natural metabolite. The action of the baths is as follows. Warm water improves blood circulation, warms the patient's body and has a provocative effect on the sweat glands, the active work of which contributes to increased sweating. Along with it, creatinine and other toxic substances leave the body.

Preparing for the urine

Three days before the study you should exclude: coffee, carbonated and alcohol-containing drinks. In food, give preference to lean foods. If you are taking hormonal medications, you should inform your doctor in advance, as the results may be distorted.

For analysis, morning urine is taken before meals. To diagnose kidney diseases, the protein-creatinine ratio is also determined in a single portion of urine.

What should I warn my doctor about?

To ensure the reliability of the test results, before submitting them, you must provide the doctor with the following information:

• about taking medications;
• about the presence of diseases;
• about taking alcoholic beverages;
• about consuming fatty foods directly on the day of the study.

Pathological conditions that are diagnosed based on analysis results

Reasons for the upward deviation of this indicator from the norm:

1. Kidney failure. Regardless of the stage of this pathology, the organ cannot cope with the removal of creatinine, and it accumulates in the body.
2. Hyperthyroidism. A disease caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Excessive production of hormones containing iodine introduces an imbalance in metabolic processes, and thereby contributes to the rapid decomposition of carboxylic acid, as a result, the volume of creatinine increases.
3. Heart failure. This pathology provokes disruption of normal kidney function, which leads to a decrease in the excretion of urine, and, accordingly, protein breakdown products.
4. Oncological pathology affecting muscles.
5. Extensive muscle tissue injuries.

Causes of hypocreatinemia

Deviation of creatinine in urine from the norm towards a decrease is quite rare. The reason lies in the disruption of protein metabolic processes or problems in the functioning of the muscular system. In these cases, kidney function is not impaired. Severe exhaustion of the body leads to the fact that creatinine from muscle tissue is spent to replenish the body's energy reserves.

Reasons for low concentration:

• cachexia caused by hunger or chronic diseases;
• vegetarianism;
• insufficient nutrition in combination with increased physical activity and, as a result, a sharp decrease in body weight;
• dystrophy;
• atrophy;
• taking glucocorticoids;
• pregnancy.

Thus, the main problem of hypocreatinemia lies in the exhaustion of the body. What does creatinine do? It is involved in energy metabolism, so to restore the indicator to normal it is necessary to eliminate the immediate cause.

The concentration of this substance in the blood at a certain acceptable level is maintained due to the normal functioning of the kidneys. What does blood test for creatinine show? Fluctuations in one direction or another indicate disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys.

Creatinine is a product of the creatine phosphate reaction. This substance involved in the energy metabolism of tissues is formed in the muscles and is partially released into the circulatory system. It is excreted from the body along with urine.

Impaired creatinine metabolism is a disorder of the kidneys. A high degree of creatinine in the blood is a sign of renal failure of various stages, as well as hormonal disorders, diseases of various organs.

To determine the status of creatinine, a special biochemical urine test is performed

When is such an analysis prescribed?

A blood test for creatinine is one of the most common types of diagnostics, which is prescribed by a doctor in order to determine the nature and causes of disorders in the kidneys and muscle system.

Blood test for Creatine level determination is necessary if:

• there are signs indicating an increase in the amount of creatinine;
• a person who has expressed a desire to become a kidney donor is examined;
• urolithiasis, pathologies of the muscular system or kidneys are diagnosed;
• The required dose of a drug with a toxic effect is determined, which is excreted from the body by the kidneys.

If the concentration of creatinine increases, the following symptoms are observed: difficulty breathing, aching pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region, fatigue, confusion, and a feeling of severe exhaustion.

Creatinine in the blood - what is it?

What does creatinine mean and what is it? This substance is considered one of the final products in the body of direct protein metabolism, which allows us to determine the state of the muscular system and human kidneys.

Creatinine is one of the elements of residual nitrogen. In turn, residual nitrogen is a collection of non-protein substances in the blood that contain nitrogen. It promotes the removal of urea, ammonia, and uric acid from the body through the kidneys. It is by the level of creatinine in the blood (and other components of residual nitrogen) that the state of the excretory function of human kidneys is judged.

Normal creatinine levels for men and women

The normal level of creatinine in the blood depends on gender and age, and the level, in addition to renal activity, depends on body type (accumulation of muscle mass) and food preferences. The creatinine of the male body should almost always be higher than that of women of the same age group.

• In a child from 0 to 1 year 3.0 – 11.0
• In children from one to 7 years old 2.0 – 5.0
• Children and adolescents 7-14 years old 3.0 – 8.0
• Boys and girls 15-16 years old 5.0 – 11.0
• Men 8.4 – 13.6
• Women 6.6 – 11.7

When carrying out analysis in other cases, other units of measurement are used - micromoles per liter (µmol/l). Then the norm for women is considered to be values ​​in the range from 44.0 to 97.0 µmol/l, and for men – from 44.0 to 115.0 µmol/liter.

Causes of elevated creatinine

What does it mean? If we consider the main reasons why creatinine in the blood is elevated in men or women, then among them we can highlight:

1. Kidney dysfunction, which is a consequence of absolutely any kidney disease, for example, chronic glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, etc.
2. Destruction of muscle tissue, necrosis, gangrene.
3. An increase in creatinine in the blood can be caused by extensive muscle damage due to injuries or burns.
4. Loss of fluid, dehydration.
5. Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which muscle tissue begins to break down due to increased production of thyroid hormones.
6. Circulatory disorders(heart failure) with insufficient blood pressure in the glomeruli of the kidneys, which reduces the filtration of primary urine in them (glomerular filtration) and the excretion of creatinine.
7. Radiation sickness – due to the action of ionizing radiation, gradual destruction of all cells of the body, including muscle cells, occurs.

If a blood test reveals an increase in creatinine levels, first of all it is necessary to repeat it, because no one is immune from laboratory errors. If the indicators deviate from the norm again, the doctor prescribes an additional examination and then treatment, which, as a rule, is aimed at restoring kidney function.

Physiological reasons

What does this mean? First of all, an increase in creatinine in the blood may be a consequence of an unbalanced diet, in which protein is present in large quantities. In this case, the synthesis of creatine phosphate is activated, which automatically leads to an increase in creatinine. This is typical for bodybuilders, because they must consume large amounts of protein to build muscle mass.

In adults who do not exercise, an increase in creatinine above normal may be caused by the following: physiological factors:

• intense physical activity;
• heavy internal bleeding;
• taking certain medications;
• damage to muscle tissue caused by disease or injury;
• dehydration of the body (with a lack of fluid, the concentration of certain substances, including creatinine, in the blood begins to increase);
• pregnancy is a “test” for the whole body, including muscles and kidneys, so an increase in creatinine in this case occurs often.
• intestinal obstruction and blockage of the urinary tract (if creatinine does not leave the body naturally, it begins to accumulate in the blood).

In all of these cases, creatinine in the blood is elevated, usually uncritically. When you correct your diet, stop taking medications, and normalize your weight, “everything returns to normal.”

Clearance - what does it mean?

Clearance is the ability of organs to clear the blood of specific substances. When we talk about creatinine clearance, we mean the ability of the kidneys to completely remove this substance from the blood. Kidney function can be assessed by the rate of blood purification from creatinine and inulin. Inulin is used for scientific purposes, and creatinine is used in medical practice, due to stable concentrations in the blood and urine.

To do this, its concentration in urine per day is determined, and the patient collects urine in one container during this time. Nowadays, only a single biochemical analysis is more often used to determine the concentration of creatinine in the blood, and to calculate clearance there is a special formula that takes into account the weight and age of the person being studied.

Low clearance indicates a decrease in glomerular filtration with the development of renal failure.

Symptoms

With a high level of creatinine in the patient's blood, in most cases, kidney damage is diagnosed. They can be recognized by the following manifestations:

1. Disturbance in urination. Moreover, the patient may develop both diuresis (urine ceases to be excreted from the body altogether) and polyuria, more than 2 liters of urine are excreted during the day.
2. Specific pain sensations appear in the lower back, in the lower back.
3. High blood pressure appears.
4. Swelling is observed.

A biochemical blood test shows not only high creatinine, but also high levels of urea or other constituents of residual nitrogen.

How to reduce creatinine levels in the blood?

Remember that the first thing you should do is consult your doctor. Only after a person has been fully examined can we talk about specific recommendations that will help reduce creatinine concentrations.

In cases of a significant increase in creatinine, drugs may be prescribed that help normalize the process of protein breakdown (ketosteril, lespephan, lespinefril). If a biochemical blood test indicates a slight increase in creatinine, but there are no alarming symptoms, you need to reconsider your lifestyle and adjust your diet.

Correction of lifestyle and physical activity is also necessary. They must be brought into line with the actual capabilities of the body. If no pathological causes of increased creatinine have been identified and the only option for this condition is excessive physical activity, they should be reduced as much as possible.

Diet

Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood can be reduced quickly and easily by normalizing the diet in qualitative and quantitative terms. To do this you need to eat more:

• pomegranates;
• buckwheat;
• wheat;
• citrus fruits;
• pears;
• oats;
• barley.

At the same time, limit the use of:

• protein food;
• dried fruits;
• salt;
• sugar (including that contained in finished products).

Correction of physical activity will not be superfluous. It must correspond to the actual capabilities of the body.

Creatinine is a very important chemical compound in the human body, formed as a result of the breakdown of protein molecules. The central amino acid in this process is creatine. This article is devoted to a description of the direction of its metabolism in the body and possible disorders that result in increased creatinine.

Purpose and circulation of creatinine

All chemical compounds circulating in the body can be divided into those that are constantly included in the metabolism in the form of various metabolites that transform into each other, and those substances that belong to the group of waste waste. The latter are subject to mandatory removal from the body. Blood creatinine is considered one of the few representatives of waste substances that exhibit toxic properties to tissues. Since its formation occurs constantly, it must be excreted just as regularly.

The central organs and tissues that regulate its metabolism are the kidneys, liver and muscles. Creatinine metabolism is designed in such a way that primary formation occurs in muscle tissue. It contains creatine phosphate, which breaks down during muscle contractions to produce a powerful flow of energy needed to perform movements and loads. Creatine phosphate is formed in the liver by combining the amino acid creatine with a phosphoric acid residue (phosphorylation process), from where it is sent through the bloodstream to the muscles. After the breakdown of creatine phosphate, creatinine is formed, which is excreted by the kidneys in urine.

Important to remember! The reasons for the increase in creatinine may be due to a violation of any of the stages of its circulation and metabolism!

Indicator norm

It is logical that the creatinine norm cannot be the same for all people. Its fluctuations depend on gender, age and some other factors given below. Generally accepted standards from which to base when assessing this component of a biochemical blood test are given in the table. Units of measurement are mmol/l.

When exceeding the norm is regarded as physiological

Absolutely naturally the level of creatinine is influenced by:

1. Floor. In women it should be less compared to men of the same age, which is associated with smaller muscle mass;
2. Age. In children who are in a period of active growth, the amount of creatinine in the blood increases. In old people, a slight excess of the norm is also permissible;
3. Intensity of physical activity. For people whose work involves active muscle contractions, the creatinine rate should be higher;
4. Hormonal levels (especially for women) and pregnancy. They are able to increase the intensity of protein metabolism;
5. Muscle volume and mass. The more there are, the higher the creatinine level. This must be taken into account when assessing the results of a biochemical blood test in individuals involved in bodybuilding and weightlifting;
6. Nature of nutrition. Excessive protein nutrition will affect the state of creatinine metabolism, causing it to be elevated. Fasting for a long time has exactly the same effect, as it leads to the breakdown of muscles as a source of energy;
7. Taking dietary supplements containing the amino acid creatine.

That is why all these circumstances and lifestyle features must be brought to the attention of the doctor who will evaluate the results of the study.

Use of dietary supplements and chemicals by athletes may cause increased creatinine

Hypercreatinemia as a sign of disease

An increase in creatinine is called hypercreatininemia. It can act as the main diagnostic criterion or an additional sign of many different diseases. Based on the degree of increase compared to the norm, one can roughly determine the causes of this condition. In this regard, it is advisable to highlight.

Slight and moderate hypercreatininemia (exceeding the norm by several tens of units)

• Any kidney pathology complicated by degrees 1 and 2 of organ failure;
• Liver damage of a toxic, inflammatory or cirrhotic nature;
• Massive tissue necrosis with gangrene of the limbs and internal organs;
• Traumatic damage to muscle tissue, bones and extensive skin burns;
• Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis);
• Diabetic nephropathy due to diabetes mellitus;
• Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands (hyprecorticism);
• Myasthenia;
• Toxic effects on the body caused by exposure to harmful substances or against the background of various serious diseases (infections, purulent-septic conditions, severe injuries, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, etc.)
• Side effects of medications that have a nephrotoxic effect;
• Autoimmune pathology with massive damage to connective tissue (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vasculitis);
• Dehydration of the body caused by insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss;
• Decompensated heart failure with severe stagnation in the systemic circulation;
• Toxicosis complicating the course of pregnancy.

Severe hypercreatininemia (exceeding the norm by 100 mmol/l or more)

• Kidney diseases accompanied by stage 3-4 renal failure;
• Massive muscle destruction in muscular dystrophy;
• A common inflammatory process in the muscles (generalized myositis);
• Syndrome of positional or prolonged compression of large muscle masses. This group of causes also includes reperfusion syndrome, which forms after the resumption of blood circulation in the extremities, the vessels of which were blocked by blood clots;
• Leptospirosis and other severe infections.

Important to remember! Blood creatinine is one of the most important diagnostic criteria for assessing the functional abilities of the kidneys. Therefore, in practice, we most often encounter precisely this reason for its increase!

How to lower creatinine

Creatinine can be effectively reduced only by eliminating the cause of its increase and correcting lifestyle. To do this you need:

1. It is imperative to conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the condition of internal organs and muscle tissue;
2. For long-term and persistent hypercreatininemia, hospitalization in medical institutions of a certain profile is indicated, where treatment will be prescribed depending on the disease and cause;
3. Selection of proper nutrition. Protein foods of animal origin and fats, salt, marinades, smoked foods, seasonings, whole milk and alcohol are almost completely excluded. The diet is enriched with vegetable oils, vegetables and fruits;
4. Correction of the amount of fluid consumed. If creatinine is high due to renal pathology, water intake is minimized. In all other cases, high-quality water consumed in the right quantity will help reduce this indicator;
5. Correct motor mode. Adjusted depending on the general condition of the person;
6. Traditional medicine: various mixtures of medicinal herbs and plants, rice water;
7. Taking medications that affect protein metabolism (lespefan, ketosteril, lespinefril);
8. Methods of extracorporeal detoxification and hemodialysis (artificial kidney). An extreme measure required if creatinine is elevated to critical levels.

Creatinine is a reliable indicator of the functional abilities of internal organs. Its assessment and correction should be carried out exclusively by specialists.