From the Guidelines
A creatinine level of 0.39 mg/dL is below the normal reference range for adults and may be significant. This low value could indicate decreased muscle mass, malnutrition, liver disease, or pregnancy. Normal creatinine levels typically range from 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL for women, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. If you have a creatinine level of 0.39, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider, especially if you're experiencing any symptoms or have other abnormal lab results. While low creatinine itself doesn't usually require specific treatment, it's essential to identify and address the underlying cause. Some key points to consider:
- Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and eliminated by the kidneys, so its level in blood reflects both muscle mass and kidney function.
- The serum creatinine concentration is affected by factors other than GFR, such as creatinine secretion and generation and extrarenal excretion 1.
- Clinicians should not use serum creatinine concentration as the sole means to assess the level of kidney function (level A recommendation) 1.
- Clinical laboratories should report an estimate of GFR using a prediction equation in addition to reporting the serum creatinine measurement (level C recommendation) 1. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine why your creatinine is low and develop an appropriate management plan based on the underlying cause. It's also important to note that the guidelines define kidney failure as either 1) GFR less than 15 mL/min per 1.73 m2, which is accompanied in most cases by signs and symptoms of uremia, or 2) a need to start kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) 1. However, a creatinine level of 0.39 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate kidney failure, and further evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause of the low creatinine level.
From the Research
Significance of Creatinine Level 0.39
- A creatinine level of 0.39 is considered relatively low and may not be significant in most cases, as the normal range for creatinine is typically between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/dL for adults 2.
- However, the significance of this level depends on various factors, including the individual's age, sex, weight, and overall health status.
- According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the 95th percentile for serum creatinine levels in healthy adults is 1.5 mg/dL for men and 1.4 mg/dL for women 3.
- Another study found that changes in serum creatinine levels can occur in the absence of iodinated contrast material, and increases of at least 25% and 0.4 mg/dL can occur in 27% and 13% of patients, respectively, with baseline creatinine levels between 0.6-1.2 mg/dL 2.
Comparison to Normal Ranges
- The creatinine level of 0.39 is below the normal range for most adults, but it is essential to consider the individual's baseline creatinine level and any changes over time.
- A study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure found that worsening renal function, defined as an elevation in creatinine during admission, predicts adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure 4.
- Another study published in Nephron Extra found that the complete remission rate and long-term outcome in patients with severe lupus nephritis are significantly affected by the serum creatinine level at baseline, with higher levels associated with poorer outcomes 5.
Clinical Implications
- The clinical implications of a creatinine level of 0.39 depend on the individual's overall health status and any underlying medical conditions.
- According to a study published in Radiology, careful patient screening, especially for renal disease, can result in considerable savings in terms of radiology man-hours expended and laboratory costs 6.
- It is essential to consider the individual's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results to determine the significance of a creatinine level of 0.39 and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.