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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sudden Elevation In Creatinine Levels?

I am 67 year old, Caucasian woman, and have been taking methotrexate for a little less than 1 year for rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed about 16 months ago. In Dec. 2014, my creatinine was .88 and GFR was 69; a week ago the results were 1.11 and 52. Is this decline in a short period of time concerning? YYYY@YYYY
Wed, 25 Sep 2024
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

An elevation in creatinine levels may indicate a decrease in kidney function. Normal range of creatinine is 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dl and normal GFR is above 90 (GFR levels depends on age, sex, race and weight). Any deviation of above is a concern of decrease in kidney function. GFR below 60 is alarming which indicates a decrease in kidney function.

Methotrexate is a medication that is known to affect the kidneys in some patients which leads to high creatinine levels. Other causes of decrease in kidney function are dehydration, infections, diabetes, hypertension, blockages in the urinary tract or even life style factors like alcohol/smoking.

It is better to talk with your healthcare provider for increase in creatinine levels and also if you have any symptoms like pain or burning while passing urine, nausea or vomiting, low back pain, swelling of legs and ankles, swelling of face. This requires further testing, and evaluate the exact cause of high creatinine and low GFR levels. Your health care provided might also ask you to stop or adjust the dose of methotrexate, depending on the severity of your kidney function.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thanks.
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What Causes Sudden Elevation In Creatinine Levels?

Hi, An elevation in creatinine levels may indicate a decrease in kidney function. Normal range of creatinine is 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dl and normal GFR is above 90 (GFR levels depends on age, sex, race and weight). Any deviation of above is a concern of decrease in kidney function. GFR below 60 is alarming which indicates a decrease in kidney function. Methotrexate is a medication that is known to affect the kidneys in some patients which leads to high creatinine levels. Other causes of decrease in kidney function are dehydration, infections, diabetes, hypertension, blockages in the urinary tract or even life style factors like alcohol/smoking. It is better to talk with your healthcare provider for increase in creatinine levels and also if you have any symptoms like pain or burning while passing urine, nausea or vomiting, low back pain, swelling of legs and ankles, swelling of face. This requires further testing, and evaluate the exact cause of high creatinine and low GFR levels. Your health care provided might also ask you to stop or adjust the dose of methotrexate, depending on the severity of your kidney function. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks.