Q: My 8 years old son, weighing 22 kg and height - 4 feet, is suffering from renal failure disease since birth. In the first year his creatinine level was 1.2 and urea was 80. But after a year these levels became normal without any medicine. But now for the last year his urea has increased to 72 and creatinine - 1.2. What is the solution for his problem? Can he live his whole life with such a condition of his kidneys? His ultrasound and DTPA test were quite well. Please advise.

A:Elevated serum creatinine level does signify underlying kidney disease. At 8 years of age, normal serum creatinine values vary between 0.8 to 1 mg/dl. However, value might vary slightly depending on the laboratory's technique and also body's muscle mass. Further, slightly elevated serum creatinine itself can not signify kidney disease unless one does other investigations like urine tests, ultrasound and above all renal scan as done in your child's case. There should not be cause of concern as long as above mentioned tests are normal while closely following the serum creatinine levels over period of time.