From the Research
The normal creatinine reference range in adults is typically 60-110 μmol/L (micromoles per liter) for men and 45-90 μmol/L for women. These values may vary slightly between different laboratories due to differences in testing methods. For children and adolescents, the reference ranges are lower and age-dependent, generally ranging from 20-65 μmol/L depending on age and muscle mass.
Key Points to Consider
- Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is filtered by the kidneys, making it a useful marker for kidney function.
- Elevated creatinine levels often indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are not effectively clearing creatinine from the blood.
- Factors that can affect creatinine levels include muscle mass (more muscle typically means higher baseline creatinine), age, gender, diet (particularly high protein intake), certain medications, and hydration status.
- Regular monitoring of creatinine levels is important for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or those taking medications that may affect kidney function, as supported by studies such as 1 which highlights the benefits of ACE inhibitors in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.
- The use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can impact kidney function and creatinine levels, with benefits including reduced risk of kidney events, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality, but also potential risks such as hyperkalemia, as discussed in studies like 2.