Creatine Levels In Children

Lab test results in children versus adults can be different for several reasons. If your health care provider suggests that your child have her creatine levels measured, he may request either a blood or urine test be performed. Both tests are conducted by a clinical laboratory. If you have health insurance, check with your plan to determine which lab is included in your plan.

Significance

Creatine is a compound found in the body that is a by product of protein metabolism. Creatine is generally referred to as creatinine, the substance formed after creatine has been metabolized. Creatine and creatinine levels are measured in the blood, urine and muscles. Elevated levels of creatine are found in individuals with muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, damage or malnutrition. Elevated levels of creatinine are present in kidney disease.

Considerations

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, creatine is a nutritional supplement that is supposed to be safe for use in adults. It is alleged that it helps athletes work harder. Creatine is not safe for use in people younger than 18 years. The AAP reported on a study conducted on child athletes in grades six through 12. Sixty-two of 1,103 children interviewed admitted using creatine to either enhance performance or improve their appearance. The most common reason given for not using creatine was that it is not safe.

As stated in the journal "Pediatrics," the American College of Sports Medicine recommends explicitly that use of creatine by anyone younger than 18 years is dangerous. Coaches of college and other teams are prohibited from giving it to their student athletes.

Serum Creatinine Level

A serum creatinine measurement is a blood test. Normal ranges for children are between 0.2 and 1.0 mg/dl, or milligrams per deciliter. Creatinine levels can increase slightly as your child grows because she is gaining weight and adding muscle mass. Creatinine levels in adult males are higher than adult females because the level is proportional to the amount of muscle mass in your body.

It is likely that your child's health care provider may want to repeat the tests more than one time because it is not unusual for creatinine levels to fluctuate, sometimes based on the amount of protein in your child's diet.

Urine Creatinine Level

Your health care provider may ask you to collect your child's urine in a special container over 24 hours. The purpose of this test is to compare the level in the urine to the blood creatinine level. This may be a challenge for some children so it is important that you answer all their questions and assist in the collection of the urine specimens. Follow the directions carefully and ask your health care provider or lab to explain anything you do not understand.

Expert Insight

An elevated blood creatinine level in your child could indicate impaired renal or kidney functioning, which could be caused by many factors including infection, inflammation and urinary obstruction, muscle disease, congestive heart failure and shock. In children, low levels can indicate a need to add more protein to their diet, muscle injury, diseases of the muscle and malnutrition. If your child's kidneys are not functioning properly, his creatinine levels most likely will be affected. Creatinine levels can also be affected by some medications including antibiotics and antivirals. If your child is having an unusual reaction including dizziness or impaired hearing, call your health care provider immediately. This is a medical emergency.

Talk with your health care provider to get answers to your questions regarding how the results of this test apply to your child's health. Do not change your child's diet before checking with your health care provider.