Diagnosis

Kidney values

introduction

Kidney values are one of the very important and most frequently examined values in the blood count. The kidney values provide information about the condition of the kidneys and whether they are working adequately.

An increase in kidney values that goes beyond the norm makes extensive and timely examinations of the kidneys necessary.

The most important kidney values are the creatinine value and, in connection with this, to a certain extent the potassium value. Creatinine is a metabolic waste product that is filtered off by the kidneys and passed into the urine, where it is then excreted. The increase in potassium, which indicates disease and insufficient work of the kidneys, is also to be seen in connection with kidney function.

The kidneys act as a filter system through which vital substances are retained in the body and waste products are excreted. If the kidneys are diseased and they can no longer take over the filtering work in the usual and necessary way, there is a reduction in the flow of creatinine from the blood into the urine.

Furthermore, the so-called glomerular filtration rate, also called GFR, is involved in almost every blood count.

The GFR indicates how much filtrate goes through the kidneys per minute. A decrease in the GFR also indicates a disease of the kidney; further investigation is necessary in this case.

Read more on this topic at:

Kidney value GFR
potassium

What are the important kidney values?

The so-called kidney retention values are called kidney values. These are substances that are almost exclusively excreted through the kidneys and urine. In the event of damage to the kidneys or impaired kidney function, these kidney retention values in the blood rise, as excretion via the kidneys is disturbed.

The most frequently determined kidney value is creatinine, a breakdown product that acts as an energy store in the muscles. Determining the creatinine concentration indirectly allows conclusions to be drawn about the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR is the most important marker for checking kidney function and indicates how well the kidneys are filtering the blood.

Other kidney values that can be measured in the blood are urea, uric acid and cystatin C. These values serve as a supplement to the creatinine value, as this is very susceptible to interference and can also provide an indication of other diseases.

In addition, the electrolyte concentrations (especially sodium, potassium and chloride) are often determined in connection with a laboratory check of kidney function.

Creatinine is an important part of the laboratory parameters in everyday clinical practice. Read the following article about the meaning of an increased or decreased creatinine concentration: Creatinine - an important indicator of kidney function

Kidney values in the laboratory and blood count

Kidney function is mainly checked through appropriate blood tests. In most cases, two tubes of blood are taken from the patient and examined in the laboratory.

Creatinine, which rises in the blood in kidney disease, is particularly important. Furthermore, the potassium level and urea should be determined.
These values are also increased when the kidneys are not working in the usual way.

Read more on the subject at: Urea increased

A blood count and clinical chemistry (creatinine, urea and potassium) are part of a kidney function check. A close inspection must be carried out depending on the level of the values.

In the event of a sudden, explosive rise in creatinine, acute kidney failure must be assumed. Here, however, the lack of fluid is usually responsible, which should be compensated for as soon as possible.

You can find further information under our topics:

potassium
urea
and
Blood count

Kidney values in the urine

Urine markers are also kidney values in the broadest sense, which can also indicate a disease of the kidney.
These include erythrocytes, protein and leukocytes in the urine.

If you have red blood cells (Red blood cells) are detectable in the urine, they are mostly dysmorphic, i.e. they have a crushed structure, which is based on the fact that these red blood cells have pushed their way through the kidney filter, which is no longer completely intact.

Another marker that is often detected in routine laboratories and also has something to do with the kidneys is urea.
Urea is also a breakdown product that is excreted into the urine via the kidneys and can be detected there.
An increase in urea in the blood also indicates disease in one or both kidneys and should be investigated.
In addition, a strong increase in urea would also lead to discomfort and the typical itching.

A disease of the kidney leads to a reduced density of the filter, which means that minerals and substances important for the body are excreted in the urine.

Proteins, which can no longer be retained in the body by the damaged kidney filter, are also particularly important. As a result, albumin in the blood decreases and the urine increases (see also: Albumin in urine).

Read more on the subject below Kidney disease

Overview of the various normal values of the individual kidney values

Creatinine:
- Normal value (men): <1.3 mg / dl (115 mol / l)
- Normal value (women): <1.1 mg / dl (97 mol / l)
urea
- Normal value: 17 - 43 mg / dl (2.8 - 7.1 mmol / l)
uric acid
- Normal value (men): <7.2 mg / dl
- Normal value (women): <6 mg / dl
Cystatin C
- Normal value: <0.96 mg / l
potassium
- Normal value: 3.5 - 5 mmol / l
Sodium
- Normal value: 135 - 145 mmol / l
Chloride
- Normal value: 98 - 107 mmol / l

Creatinine to assess kidney values

Creatinine is a waste product of the body that arises during metabolic processes. It is in the blood and can be measured in different doses.

Most of the creatinine is filtered through the kidneys into the urine and excreted. If parts of the kidney do not function properly and filtration is impaired, the creatinine is not excreted as much and rises in the urine.
This increase in creatinine can then be detected in the blood and is a marker that the kidney's filter system is not functioning properly.

Creatinine is therefore the most important course parameter for kidney diseases or the most important laboratory value for diagnosing kidney failure.

If renal insufficiency is known, the creatinine level is always increased. If it increases, it can be an indication to start dialysis.

The normal values for creatinine are around 1 mg / dl.
Values above 1 mg / dl indicate renal insufficiency. Dialysis is usually carried out if the values are around 4-5 mg / dl.

An untreated increase in creatinine leads to multi-organ failure over a longer period of time.

The creatinine level is also important when it comes to dosing a new drug into a patient. Many drugs are eliminated through the kidneys. It is therefore important that the kidney is working well to avoid dangerous drug build-ups in the body.

Read more about this under: Creatinine - the important indicator of kidney function

What is the significance of an elevated creatinine level when assessing kidney function?

The normal values for creatinine in the blood are around below 1 mg / dl.
If there is an increase in creatinine, it must first be found out why it is.

It is important here how old the patient is. Older patients often have an increased creatinine value, which can be as high as 2 mg / dl. This is an expression of renal insufficiency which is very common in old age and often does not require treatment.

If the creatinine level rises in young people, a lack of fluids is often the reason for this. Here the value can rise to 1.5 mg / dl if only very little has been drunk for a long time.

In young people who often go to the gym and consume protein shakes and dietary supplements to build muscle, prolonged use can also lead to an increase in creatinine levels.
If the value is not reduced, the kidney can be seriously affected. Values from 3 or 4 mg / dl are always highly suspect.

A nephrologist must be consulted promptly.
With additional examinations such as ultrasound and the diagnostics of the 24-hour urine collection, further measures are taken to find out the cause of the increase in creatinine.

There are still some rare rheumatological diseases and infectious causes that can be associated with an increase in kidney values. The haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be associated with a bacterial bowel disease and is very dangerous, should be mentioned. In addition to bleeding and diarrhea, patients often suffer from the onset of kidney failure, which is indicated in the laboratory by an increase in creatinine.

What improves creatinine levels?

First of all, it is important to find out what caused the kidney values to rise.
In many cases, and especially in hot summer months, the main cause of an increase in creatinine is dehydration.
Those affected do not manage to balance out the fluid that has sweated out, which causes the body to dry out.

The first sign of dehydration is an increase in creatinine. If the corresponding liquid reservoirs are refilled, the value drops again. A follow-up should definitely be carried out. The values should be checked over a further 2 to 3 weeks.

If it is a question of renal insufficiency and not a lack of fluid intake, a close laboratory check must be carried out by a nephrologist.
In elderly patients, creatinine levels up to 2.5 mg / dL can usually be left untreated under observation.
It is important here that certain drugs are not allowed to be given.
This includes above all Metformin® for blood sugar, but also the newer blood thinners such as Xarelto®.

If there is an increase in creatinine due to dietary supplements, the product must be discontinued immediately, as there is a risk of irreversible damage to the kidney.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) as kidney value

The so-called glomerular filtration rate or GFR is a parameter for how much blood is filtered through the kidneys and how much urine is produced from it.

In the case of diseased kidneys, the glomerular filtration rate also drops and is therefore a good value for the diagnosis of kidney disease.

In addition to kidney disease, the glomerular filtration rate can also be decreased in elderly patients. So a young person usually has a higher glomerular filtration rate.

The standard value of the GFR is 25-year-olds e.g. at up to 110 ml / min and in 75-year-old patients at approx. 60 ml / min.

The GFR is also important when it comes to dosing a drug.
Since most drugs are eliminated via the kidneys, a decreased glomerular filtration rate would cause the drug to build up in the body, possibly increasing its effects. This can be dangerous depending on the drug.

Glomerular filtration is calculated using a formula. This can be done manually; the laboratory usually calculates this value. Age, creatinine level and body surface area are included in this so-called MDRD formula.

Read more on the subject below : GFR - What does it mean?

Which diseases can be determined from changed kidney values?

With the help of the kidney values mentioned above, disorders of the kidney function can be determined. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, these substances are less filtered into the urine via the kidneys, which increases their concentrations in the blood. Elevated concentrations of kidney values in the blood are therefore an indication of acute or chronic renal insufficiency, impaired kidney function.

In addition, other diseases can be determined with individual kidney values.

Increased uric acid concentrations in the blood can be an indication of increased cell death in the body, as a lot of uric acid is released when the body's own cells are destroyed. This process occurs, for example, as part of what is known as tumor lysis syndrome, in which tumor cells destroy the body's own cells. In addition, increased uric acid concentrations can also indicate a so-called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a genetic metabolic disorder that leads to the accumulation of uric acid.

Infections and inflammations of the kidneys can be diagnosed better with the help of infection parameters (CRP, leukocytes in the blood, procalcitonin) and urine stix (with determination of the leukocytes in the urine and the nitrite content).

You can find a precise overview of the significance of the individual laboratory values in our article: Laboratory values - you should know that

How do kidney values change in diabetes?

In diabetes mellitus, the high glucose concentrations in the blood damage the kidney tissue. As a result, kidney function is restricted and kidney values (creatinine, urea, uric acid) and electrolytes (especially potassium) rise.

Slightly increased uric acid levels in the blood can be an early warning sign of diabetic kidney damage.

In addition, the protein concentrations (albumin) in the urine are examined to control kidney function in diabetics. As a result of the damage to the kidney tissue, more protein is filtered into the urine and the protein concentrations in the urine rise. The albumin-creatinine quotient should be determined for a better assessment of the increase.

Diabetes not only affects the kidneys, but is a disease that can have serious consequences for the entire body. To learn more about these, the following article is recommended:

Consequences of diabetes

These home remedies can improve kidney values

There are numerous home remedies that can improve kidney function and thus improve kidney values. These are recommended in addition to a therapy discussed with the doctor.

Basically, drinking more water can lead to an improvement in kidney values. In this context, drinking various types of tea is recommended (ginger, basil, dandelion), as these also have a protective effect on kidney function. Eating watermelons is also recommended because of their high water content.

In addition, the consumption of onions (e.g. onion soup) leads to a cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect in the kidneys.

Celery and parsley also have a strong diuretic effect and thus lead to an improved and accelerated excretion of harmful substances via the kidneys.

Finally, it was also shown that kidney function is improved when heated. For this reason, heat packs at kidney level are recommended.

Onion, parsley and celery are home remedies that are also grouped under the term medicinal plants and can have anti-inflammatory effects. Find out more about this at:

What are onions used for?
Parsley - a miracle cure?

What drugs worsen kidney values

Numerous drugs lead to damage and impairment of kidney function. This is because many drugs are metabolized in the kidneys and also excreted through the kidneys. Especially when taking high doses of medication over a longer period of time, the kidneys can be damaged, which is noticeable in an increase in kidney values.

A regular check of the kidney values in the blood is therefore recommended for these drugs.

A strong kidney-damaging effect has been demonstrated for some painkillers. These are mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen or ASA. When taken in high doses over a long period of time, these active ingredients lead to reduced blood flow in the kidneys and direct damage and inflammation of the kidney tissue. This leads to an increase in kidney values in the blood. Administration of these drugs is therefore not recommended in the case of pre-existing impaired kidney function.

Other drugs that can damage the kidneys and increase kidney values are antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin), isolated antihypertensive drugs, diuretics and gout drugs.

Further important information on the effects and side effects of pain relievers and non-steroidal rheumatics can be found at:

Painkillers - Blessing or Curse?
NSAIDs - what you should keep in mind when taking!

Homeopathy to improve kidney values

A homeopathic treatment to improve the kidney function and lower the kidney values can be carried out in addition to a therapy agreed with the treating doctor.

In the event of acute symptoms or a deterioration in kidney values, however, the attending physician should be consulted and the further course of action discussed.

Depending on the kidney symptoms, various homeopathic active ingredients are recommended. Frequently used active ingredients are Phosphorus, Rhus toxicodendron, Sarsaparilla, Silicea and Sulfur.

In parallel to the homeopathic medicinal products linked in the text, you can also receive general information on the subject. Read also:

Homeopathic medicines
Homeopathy for a cystitis

With which kidney values should one not get a contrast agent?

When an X-ray contrast medium is administered, there is a significantly increased risk of acute kidney failure in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. For this reason, the use of contrast media is not recommended in these patients.

To determine kidney function, the creatinine concentration is measured in the blood. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which represents the filter functionality. The GFR should therefore be calculated for creatinine concentrations above 1.3 mg / dl in the blood. Contrast media should not be administered if the GFR is <20 ml / min.

If necessary, a contrast agent can still be administered in individual cases after weighing up in a nephrological consultation.

If the GFR is between 20 and 45 ml / min, irrigation should take place before and after the administration of contrast medium. The patient is usually given liquid via an infusion, which means that the contrast agent can be better eliminated via the kidneys.

In the case of higher GFR values (if there are no other contraindications), a contrast agent can be administered.

The radiological examination, for example by means of MRT, can be carried out with an additional administration of contrast medium for a better assessment of the findings. This contrast agent is mainly excreted through the kidneys and should therefore be weighed in the event of kidney damage. These articles might also interest you: