Can kidney stones affect the creatinine levels?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently received a diagnosis of having two stones, one about 5.4 millimeters in size in my right upper ureter with mild hydroureteronephrosis, and another about 6.5 millimeters at the upper pole of my right kidney. My doctors advised me to increase my fluid intake. However, after four days, I experienced intense pain in my right side and sought medical attention from a surgeon. The surgeon recommended Tramadol and administered it through a drip, which provided relief for approximately three days. Unfortunately, the pain returned, and I visited the same doctor who prescribed a Diclofenac injection and then Tramadol. While these medications provided temporary relief, the pain persisted and increased in intensity over time.

Ultimately, I was advised to be admitted to the hospital, where several tests were performed, including creatinine, urea, blood sugar, CBC, and urine analysis. Although all the reports were normal, my creatinine level was elevated. The doctors then recommended a CT scan, which revealed the same 5 millimeters stone in the upper ureter with mild hydroureteronephrosis and 4 millimeters stones in each of my right and left kidneys or upper pole. After being discharged from the hospital, blood samples were retaken, which indicated that my creatinine level had dropped within the normal range.

As a patient, I am wondering why my creatinine levels increased and then normalized. It is important to note that creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and excreted by the kidneys. The elevation in creatinine levels may be due to the impaired function of the affected kidney caused by the stones. However, with adequate hydration, the stones may be flushed out, allowing the kidney to function normally again, resulting in the normalization of creatinine levels.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Yes, sometimes due to back pressure on the kidneys due to obstruction, creatinine may rise because of a transient reduction in the filtration rate of the kidneys. The stone in the lower ureter can be excreted out in the kidneys through adequate water consumption daily and oral medications.

But the stones in the kidneys may not always come out. So, I suggest you get the ultrasound repeated after a month. If it still shows hydronephrosis, then you should consult a surgeon for stenting and stone removal. Because in the long run, the stones may affect your kidneys.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.