What do rising creatinine levels suggest?
Chief Nephrology Fellow,
North Shore University Hospital,
Manhasset, New York
Q: My 71 years old father is suffering from diabetes for the last 15 years. For the last three years, his creatinine levels are increasing. Earlier his creatinine level was 1.7 mg/dl but now it is 3.6 mg/dl. Haemoglobin is 8.3 g/dl, ESR is 150 mm and both blood sugar and blood pressure are normal. He is getting fever (ranges between 99 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit) everyday in the evening for the last 10 days. What does persistent increase of creatinine level suggest?
A:Your father has progressive kidney disease most likely secondary to diabetes and hypertension. He is also very anaemic and having fever for last 10 days. His creatinine level has also progressed rapidly to 3.6 mg/dl now. He should be seen by a nephrologist as soon as possible. Also, he likely has an infection going on, for which he will need antibiotics. If not treated, it can lead to further worsening of his kidney function. His low energy level may be due to anaemia, worsening kidney function and infection. I would advise to take him to a doctor as soon as possible.