Creatinine

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Background

  • Byproduct of muscle metabolism; freely filtered by the kidney
  • Primary marker of renal function in the ED

Normal Values

  • Normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL (varies by age, sex, muscle mass)

Interpretation

  • Elevated creatinine indicates decreased renal clearance; may lag 24-48 hours behind acute injury
  • A "normal" creatinine in elderly or low-muscle-mass patients may actually represent significant renal impairment
  • Acute rise of >0.3 mg/dL from baseline or 1.5x baseline defines acute kidney injury by KDIGO criteria[1]
  • Drugs that increase creatinine without true renal injury: trimethoprim, cimetidine, cobicistat

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Khwaja A. KDIGO clinical practice guidelines for acute kidney injury. Nephron Clin Pract. 2012; 120(4):c179-184. PMID 22890468.
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