My Family Dr Is Prescribing Kidney Ultrasound As A Result

Posted on Thu, 20 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My family Dr is prescribing kidney ultrasound as a result of elevated creatinine 1.06. I am 74 year old female. The dr says for the past four years my level has been gradually increasing. I am petrified about the ultrasound and the prospect of kidney irregularities it may show. The dr had never mentioned the increasing trend until this year’s reading technically reached abnormal. What scary things can the test reveal? Initially at the appt the dr just said drink more water and we will continue track it. Three hours later she phoned to say I should have an ultra sound. I am high anxiety and her decision after the annual check up has alarmed me. Thank you for any information and support you can provide.

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below,

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask A Doctor"

I have read through your query and can certainly understand your concern,

First of all, let me assure you that, your serum creatinine levels does not raise any alarm as it is still within the normal range. Your family doctor might have advised for an ultrasound to look for any underlying causes:

- Long standing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes can cause elevated creatinine levels.
- Presence of kidney stones
- Any source of infection in your kidneys

But remember all these conditions warrant the presence of other symptoms in addition to elevated creatinine levels.
So do not be worried. Kindly go ahead with the renal ultrasound as advised.

Meanwhile, have a lower salt and lower protein diet.

I hope this helps,

Please feel free to discuss further,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy