Kidney Failure - Creatinine, Urine Output

Author

Creatinine, Urine Output - significance??

spoon2001

2006-04-18, 1:26 am

Hi all, my Mom is showing some renal insufficiency and I'm just trying to
get
educated about the basics. Mom's 90, and has a lot of blocked arteries. Had
heart
attack(s) last year, two stents placed in coronary arteries. Generally
speaking she
seems to be doing very well.

The cardiologist told us that Mom's left renal artery is 80% blocked, and
had some
lab work done. Doctor thought that blocked renal artery might be causing
elevated BP;
suggested it might be opened up with another stent.

Right after that vist Mom gained about 5-6 pounds in one week, swollen legs
(venous
insuffiiency in legs). Mom's furosemide was doubled from 40mg to 80mg for 3
days. Mom
got rid of the retained fluid quite quickly, although I'm not sure if it was
really
the furosemide that did it.

Then Mom was tested for creatinine - abnormal - elevated I'm sure, but I
wasn't told
the exact level. Went back to have creatinine checked after week after
returning to
lower furosemide dose - apparently the creatinine is slightly better. Going
to be
rechecked later this week.

Meanwhile I have been measuring Mom's urine output. I don't know if that, in
itself,
means much.

(1) Is creatinine toxic itself, or is elevated serum creatinine just an
indicator
that other toxins aren't being excreted adequately?

(2) I started measuring urine output - she seems to be in normal range. It
varies,
but often she seems to be putting out around 1700 cc/day. Does that mean
anything as
far as her kidney function goes? I mean, it seems she is filtering out water
ok, so
isn't it likely she is filtering out toxins OK too?

Larry Krzewinski

2006-04-18, 1:26 am

On Tue, 18 Apr 2006 03:15:35 GMT, "spoon2001"
<invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote:

>(1) Is creatinine toxic itself, or is elevated serum creatinine just an
>indicator
>that other toxins aren't being excreted adequately?

Serum creatinine levels are an indication of how well the kidneys
themselves are functioning. It is not toxic. Based on your mom's
serum creatinine levels and other indicators you mom may or may not
need dialysis although fluid retention is often caused by a heart that
isn't pumping correctly and furosemide is used to remove excess fluids
in patients with weak hearts. Your mom's kidneys may be fine. It is
normal for serum creatinine to be checked when heart problems are
present. When furosemide is used or increased it is also appropriate
for supplemental potassium to be taken orally. The excess fluid
caused by a weak heart can accumulate in the lungs and cause problems
breathing.

Larry