Serum Creatinine Normal Values
Serum Creatinine
- It is a by product of in the breakdown of muscle creatinine phosphate resulting from energy metabolism.
- It is produced at a constant rate depending on the muscle mass of the person and is removed from the body by the kidneys.
- Production of creatinine is constant as long as muscle mass remains constant.
- A disorder in kidney function reduces excretion of creatinine, resulting in increased blood creatinine levels. Thus, serum creatinine levels give an approximation of the glomerular filtration rate.
- It diagnoses impaired renal function. It is a more specific and sensitive indicator of kidney disease than BUN.
Normal Values:
Young Children (0 – 3 years old): 0.3 – 0.7 mg/dL
Children (3 – 18 years old): 0.5 – 0.10 mg/dL
Adults Men: 0.9 – 1.3 mg/dL
Adults Women: 0.6 – 1.1 mg/dL
Procedure:
- This is done by obtaining 5 mL of venous blood serum sample.
- Assess diet for meat and protein intake.
Clinical Implications:
- Increased creatinine:
- impaired renal function
- chronic nephritis
- obstruction of urinary tract
- muscle disease such as gigantism, acromegaly
- congestive heart failure
- shock
- dehydration
- rhabdomyolysis
- hyperthyroidism
- Decreased creatinine:
- small stature
- decreased muscle mass
- advanced and severe liver disease
- inadequate dietary protein
- pregnancy
Interfering Factors:
- High levels of ascorbic acid and cephalosphorin antibiotics can cause a false increased creatinine level.
- Drugs that influence kidney function plus other medications can cause a change in the blood creatinine level.
- A diet high in meat can elevate serum creatinine levels.
- Creatinine is falsely decreased by by bilirubin, glucose, histidine and quinidine compounds.
- Ketoacidosis may increase serum creatinine substantially.
Nursing Considerations:
- Correlate the elevated createnine levels to clinical problems. Low levels indicates small muscle mass which is mostly found in amputees and in clients with muscle disease.
- As ordered by the physician, hold all medications for 24 hours before the test as some medications may affect the result.
- Check the urine output in 24 hours. Renal insufficiency may happen when urine output is less than 600ml for 24 hours.
- If BUN and createnine are increased, most likely there is kidney disease.
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Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
