My creatinine increased: what happens next?
A higher creatinine result can be worrying. The next step is to understand the change in context: your previous results, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine findings, medicines and recent health.
One result does not tell the whole story
Creatinine is a waste product related to muscle activity. The kidneys remove it from the blood. Its level can rise when kidney filtration declines, but muscle mass, dehydration and other circumstances also affect the result. Clinicians use creatinine to estimate GFR rather than interpreting the creatinine number alone.
A sudden change needs a different assessment from a result that has been stable for months. Chronic kidney disease involves persistent kidney abnormalities; one abnormal test does not establish how long a problem has been present.
What your clinician may check
Your clinician may compare current and earlier blood tests and request repeat testing. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) looks for albumin leakage, giving information that complements eGFR. Depending on the situation, other testing may be appropriate.
Tell your care team about recent vomiting, diarrhea, illness or difficulty urinating. Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medicine or force extra fluids without advice; the right plan depends on your circumstances.
Questions to bring to your appointment
Ask: How does this compare with my previous creatinine and eGFR? Was albumin checked in my urine? How soon should testing be repeated? Do any medicines or supplements need review? What symptoms should prompt an urgent call?
If the laboratory or your clinician tells you a result is urgent, follow those instructions promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Kidney care close to home
Syed Saghir, MD, sees patients at Kidney Associates of Texas in McKinney and Sherman. If your clinician recommends a nephrology assessment, request an appointment or have the referring office send the relevant records.
Sources
General education; your care team should interpret your individual results.
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