With this in mind, we can discern multiple factors that may artificially increase the estimated creatinine level. In the Jaffe reaction, creatinine combines with picric acid to form a colored complex that is measured to quantify the creatinine. It is most commonly measured by a colorimetric assay called the Jaffe reaction. Eighty-five percent to 90% of creatinine is excreted by the kidney the rest undergoes tubular secretion.
1 Creatinine is generated in muscle and is proportionate to muscle mass and remains relatively constant. The endogenous marker most commonly used to measure kidney function is creatinine. Early detection of abnormal kidney function is important, because early treatment usually slows disease progression.īecause it is not possible to directly measure kidney function or the GFR, a surrogate is needed. Patients have few signs and symptoms during early renal disease. Here, we will discuss the various causes of false estimates of elevated creatinine. Given the association of elevated creatinine with cardiovascular mortality, it is important to keep in mind that elevated creatinine is not always representative of a reduction in GFR. One of the most common reasons for nephrology consult is elevated creatinine, which usually reflects a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Her medications include hydrochlorothiazide per os 12.5 mg/day and fenofibrate per os 200 mg/day. A colleague asks about a patient: a woman, age 48 years, diagnosed with hypertension for 2 years and with hyperlipidemia for 10 months who has had a steadily increasing creatinine level, from 0.7 to 1.8 over the last 8 months.