From the Guidelines
A creatinine level of 0.64 mg/dL on blood work is considered normal and indicates healthy kidney function. This result suggests that the kidneys are effectively filtering waste from the blood. According to the National Kidney Foundation practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease, serum creatinine concentration alone is not a reliable means to assess the level of kidney function 1. However, in this case, the creatinine level of 0.64 mg/dL falls within the normal range for adults.
Key Points to Consider
- A normal creatinine level does not necessarily confirm normal kidney function, as kidney disease can be present even with normal serum creatinine levels 1.
- Factors such as muscle mass, diet, hydration status, and certain medications can affect creatinine levels.
- Clinical laboratories should report an estimate of GFR using a prediction equation in addition to reporting the serum creatinine measurement 1.
Recommendations
- No specific action is needed for a creatinine level of 0.64 mg/dL, as it indicates healthy kidney function.
- Regular health check-ups with blood work are still recommended to monitor kidney function over time.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate hydration and balanced nutrition helps support continued kidney health.
Important Considerations
- 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 1.
From the Research
Creating 64 on Blood Work
- Creating 64 on blood work is not directly addressed in the provided studies, however, some studies discuss the importance of serum creatinine in assessing kidney function 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney function, and elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease 2, 3, 4.
- The studies discuss the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their potential effects on kidney function 2, 5, 6.
- One study found that the continuation of ACE inhibitors/ARBs does not appear to have any important effect or association with changes in renal function within one month post-angiography in patients with CKD stages 2-5 6.
- Another study highlights the limitations of creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and suggests that measured GFR using an exogenous marker may be a more accurate assessment of kidney function in certain clinical scenarios 3.
Kidney Function Assessment
- The assessment of kidney function is crucial in patients with CKD, and serum creatinine is a commonly used marker 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, serum creatinine has its limitations, and other markers such as cystatin C may be used as an alternative or in combination with creatinine to estimate GFR 3.
- Measured GFR using an exogenous marker may be a more accurate assessment of kidney function in certain clinical scenarios, such as extreme body composition or advanced CKD 3.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs are widely used in patients with CKD and coronary artery disease due to their renal protective effects 2, 5, 6.
- However, the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia, particularly when co-administered with other medications 2.
- The studies suggest that the use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients with CKD requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, and regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolyte levels 2, 5, 6.