From the Research
Elevated arsenic and creatinine levels are a serious health concern that requires immediate medical attention, as they may indicate arsenic poisoning and kidney dysfunction, respectively, with potential long-term consequences on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The implications of elevated arsenic and creatinine levels can be severe, with arsenic poisoning causing gastrointestinal problems, peripheral neuropathy, skin changes, and increased cancer risk with chronic exposure 1. Elevated creatinine levels, on the other hand, indicate kidney dysfunction, as creatinine is a waste product normally filtered by healthy kidneys, with normal ranges being 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL for women; levels above these suggest reduced kidney function 2.
Key Considerations
- Arsenic exposure has been associated with adverse kidney disease outcomes, including albuminuria and proteinuria, with a positive dose-response association between arsenic and prevalent albuminuria and proteinuria 1.
- Creatine supplementation, commonly used by athletes, may increase creatinine levels, potentially acting as a false indicator of renal dysfunction, although it appears to be safe for healthy adults at recommended doses 3, 4.
- The relationship between arsenic exposure and kidney disease outcomes is complex, with limited prospective evidence and a need for additional well-designed epidemiologic and mechanistic studies 1, 5.
Management and Treatment
- Treatment for elevated arsenic levels typically involves removing the arsenic source, chelation therapy with medications like dimercaprol (BAL), succimer (DMSA), or DMPS, and supportive care.
- Management of elevated creatinine levels includes treating underlying causes, maintaining hydration, controlling blood pressure, adjusting medications that affect kidney function, and possibly dialysis in severe cases.
- When both levels are elevated simultaneously, it suggests arsenic may be causing kidney damage, creating a particularly concerning clinical picture requiring comprehensive evaluation and treatment by specialists in toxicology and nephrology 1, 5.