From the Guidelines
A creatinine level of 0.58 mg/dL is generally considered within the normal range for most adults, indicating good kidney function. Normal creatinine levels typically range from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for adult males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for adult females, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories 1. This value suggests your kidneys are effectively filtering waste products from your blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is removed from the blood by the kidneys, making it a reliable marker of kidney function. A value of 0.58 may be on the lower end of normal, which could be due to smaller muscle mass, good hydration status, or simply your body's normal baseline.
Key Considerations
- According to the national kidney foundation practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease, serum creatinine concentration should not be used as the sole means to assess the level of kidney function 1.
- Clinical laboratories should report an estimate of GFR using a prediction equation in addition to reporting the serum creatinine measurement 1.
- The kidney disease: improving global outcomes 2012 clinical practice guideline recommends that persons with CKD should be assessed at least annually, with the exact frequency of GFR and ACR monitoring depending on the severity of CKD 1.
Recommendations
- No specific treatment or medication is needed for this creatinine level.
- If you're monitoring kidney function for a specific reason, continue regular check-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Maintaining good hydration and a healthy lifestyle will help preserve kidney function over time.
Important Notes
- Small fluctuations in GFR are common and do not necessarily indicate progression 1.
- An approach involving an assessment of change in eGFR category confirmed by a minimal percentage of change in eGFR (25% or greater) was recommended to define progression 1.
From the Research
Understanding Creatinine Levels
- Creatinine is a functional biomarker of the kidney, and its levels are used to estimate kidney function 2.
- A creatinine level of 0.58 is considered relatively low, but its significance depends on various factors such as age, sex, and overall health.
Interpreting Creatinine Values
- Serum creatinine is the most widely used marker of kidney function, but its use has substantial shortcomings, including limitations in accurately estimating kidney function 2.
- To accurately interpret creatinine values, it is essential to consider the individual's overall health, medical history, and other laboratory results, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) 3.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Screening
- CKD is a significant health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 7 American adults, and can increase the risk of CKD progression, cardiovascular events, and mortality 4.
- Early identification of kidney disease can protect kidney health, prevent disease progression, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk and mortality 5.
- Populations at risk for CKD, such as those with hypertension, diabetes, and age greater than 50 years, should be targeted for screening 4.
Laboratory Assessment of Kidney Function
- eGFR and UACR are two laboratory tests used to identify CKD, with eGFR measuring kidney function and UACR measuring kidney damage 3.
- Understanding the significance and limitations of these tests is crucial for health professionals to appropriately identify CKD patients, guide therapy, and determine prognosis 3.