Causes of High Creatinine Levels
- Kidney Dysfunction: Impaired kidney function due to conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), or kidney infection can lead to decreased filtration of creatinine, resulting in its accumulation in the blood and urine.
- Dehydration: Reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss (through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) can lead to decreased urine production and concentration of creatinine in the blood.
- Muscle Breakdown (Rhabdomyolysis): Conditions causing significant muscle breakdown, such as severe trauma, crush injuries, or certain muscle diseases, can release large amounts of creatinine into the bloodstream.
- High Protein Diet or Excessive Meat Consumption: Consuming large amounts of protein, particularly meat, can increase the production of creatinine in the body, leading to higher blood levels.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can interfere with kidney function or muscle metabolism, leading to elevated creatinine levels.
- Creatine Supplementation: Creatine supplementation can increase the concentration of creatinine in urine.
Causes of Low Creatinine Levels
- Reduced Muscle Mass: Conditions that lead to muscle wasting or loss, such as malnutrition, muscular dystrophy, or advanced age, can result in decreased creatinine production.
- Liver Disease: Severe liver disease can impair the synthesis of creatine, a precursor to creatinine, leading to lower levels of creatinine in the blood.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, blood volume increases, leading to dilution of creatinine and lower blood levels.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids or diuretics, may reduce muscle mass or interfere with creatinine metabolism.
- Low Muscle Activity: Prolonged bed rest or immobilization can lead to reduced muscle activity and, consequently, decreased creatinine production.
- Increased Fluid Intake or Hyperhydration: Drinking a lot of fluids, especially water, can dilute urine, leading to lower concentrations of creatinine.
