1.

These are blood reports of patients undergoing investigations for kidney function. What is creatinine? What is your observation and opinion about the findings? Why is it used as an index of kidney function?

Answer»

i. Creatinine: 

  • Plasma creatinine is produced from catabolism of creatinine phosphate during skeletal muscle contraction. 
  • It provides a ready source of high energy phosphate.

ii. Observations and Opinion:

Report A indicates a value of creatinine which is higher than the normal range. This would indicate impaired kidney function. Report B indicates high fasting blood sugar and detection of sugar in the blood is known as glucosuria. High fasting blood sugar (>126 mg/dL) is usually indicative of diabetes.

iii. Creatinine used as an index of kidney function: 

  • Normally blood creatinine levels remain steady because the rate of production matches his excretion in urine. 
  • Hence, plasma creatinine is used as an index of kidney function and its level above normal is an indication of poor renal function.


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