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What factors affect creatinine clearance values? Who would we expect to have lower values?

a. Age and weight; lower values in the elderly

b. Diet and exercise; lower values in athletes

c. Gender and ethnicity; lower values in females and certain ethnic groups

d. Medications and disease states; lower values in individuals with kidney disease

User Darshan P
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Final answer:

Creatinine clearance values are affected by various factors such as age, kidney function, and muscle mass. Individuals with kidney disease typically exhibit lower clearance values due to impaired renal function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factors that affect creatinine clearance values are multifaceted and include age, muscle mass, diet, sex, race, and kidney function. As a person ages, a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) generally occurs, leading to lower creatinine clearance values. Moreover, individuals with decreased kidney function, as seen in chronic kidney disease (CKD), also demonstrate reduced clearance values. Other factors such as muscle mass, which influences creatinine production due to its role in muscle metabolism, can also affect clearance readings. Hence, individuals with greater muscle mass, such as younger adults and males, typically have higher values.

Since creatinine clearance is used as an estimate of GFR, conditions like kidney disease will significantly lower these values. It can be influenced by medication use and diseases, which either impair kidney function or alter the secretion and excretion process of creatinine. Thus, individuals suffering from kidney disease will have lower values indicating impaired renal function. Athletes, on the other hand, may have higher creatinine production due to increased muscle mass but this does not necessarily mean lower clearance values. The correct answer to which individuals would have lower values is: d. Medications and disease states; lower values in individuals with kidney disease.

User Viira
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