Low Creatinine Blood Levels

Creatinine is the byproduct of the process that involves normal muscle contraction or muscle metabolism. Creatinine blood levels do not undergo any change on a daily basis, as muscle mass remains unchanged from day-to-day.

☞ In men → 0.6-1.2 mg/dL
☞ In women → 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
☞ In infants → 0.2-1.2 mg/dL
☞ In teens → 0.5-1.0 mg/dL
☞ In people with one kidney → 1.8-1.9 mg/dL

* mg/dL = milligrams/deciliters.

☞ Low creatinine levels are indicative of decreased muscle mass, and other conditions. A variety of conditions may be responsible for reducing the muscle mass; common ones include myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy.

Myasthenia gravis is characterized by progressive deterioration of muscles under body's voluntary control; causes weakness and rapid fatigue in muscles. Its symptoms are:

• Drooping eyelids
• Double vision
• Changes in speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness in the muscles of the neck, arm and legs

Muscular dystrophy is group of muscle diseases where muscle fibers develop abnormal susceptibility to deterioration. The voluntary muscles are affected commonly by this disease. Its main symptoms are:

• Weakness in muscles in various parts of the body
• Poor coordination
• Crippling that worsens with time

Low levels of creatinine in the blood could also point towards severe liver disease, or a diet that lacks adequate amount of protein. In expecting mothers too, the creatinine levels may fall below the normal level.

☞ The condition, however, does not always signify severe health issues. As an obvious fact, elderly people are often diagnosed with low creatinine levels, as their muscles keep reducing in proportion over time.

It is important to make a note of the fact that the condition of low creatinine levels in infants, teens or adults, is not a common medical problem. And it is usually seen with other medical issues that cause decrease in muscle mass.

However, it is the elevated levels of the same that should be worrisome. As already mentioned, elevated creatinine blood levels could be a clear indication of serious malfunction of the kidneys.

Gout, excessive blood loss, dehydration, heart failure, rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, myasthenia gravis, acromegaly, and gigantism are other medical disorders which may cause the creatinine levels to rise.

The treatment of low creatinine blood levels aims at addressing the underlying cause. For instance, if the cause is muscular dystrophy, then the treatment would involve physical therapy, and medications to treat spasms, stiffness and weakness.

Drugs such as anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication prednisone helps in managing muscle deterioration. Unfortunately, muscular dystrophy does not have any cure, nor does myasthenia gravis. However, the good news is, creatinine blood levels are not depleted because of severe conditions, but treatable ones.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.