What does it mean if serum creatinine is slightly elevated?

Under normal circumstances, elevated serum creatinine levels may be caused by dietary factors, increased muscle mass, diabetes, glomerulonephritis, or renal vein thrombosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo targeted treatment after identifying the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Consuming large amounts of high-protein foods such as meat and seafood increases creatinine production during metabolism, leading to elevated serum creatinine levels. This is typically not accompanied by other obvious symptoms. Adjusting the diet and reducing intake of high-protein foods can effectively lower creatinine levels.

2. Increased Muscle Mass

Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. When muscle mass increases, more creatinine is produced during metabolic processes, resulting in higher serum creatinine levels. This condition usually does not present with other symptoms and generally does not require specific treatment.

3. Diabetes

Long-term high-sugar diets may lead to diabetes. Due to insufficient insulin secretion, patients may experience elevated blood glucose levels, which can cause microvascular damage in the kidneys and ultimately result in increased serum creatinine levels. Symptoms may include increased appetite and frequent urination. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as acarbose tablets, miglitol tablets, or voglibose dispersible tablets for treatment.

4. Glomerulonephritis

The formation of immune complexes may trigger glomerulonephritis, impairing kidney function and causing elevated serum creatinine levels. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as proteinuria and hematuria. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as nephritis recovery tablets, losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets, or tacrolimus capsules.

5. Renal Vein Thrombosis

Renal vein thrombosis is primarily caused by factors such as vascular endothelial injury and slowed blood flow. The clot may obstruct renal blood return, impairing glomerular filtration function and leading to elevated serum creatinine levels. Symptoms may include flank pain and abdominal masses. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as heparin sodium tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, or enteric-coated aspirin tablets for treatment.

In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be beneficial to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.