Which laboratory finding is common in chronic kidney disease patients?

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), elevated creatinine levels are a common laboratory finding. As kidney function declines, the ability of the kidneys to excrete waste products from metabolism, particularly creatinine, is impaired. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is normally cleared from the bloodstream by the kidneys. When kidney function diminishes, the concentration of creatinine in the blood increases, indicating reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This makes elevated creatinine a key marker for assessing kidney function and diagnosing CKD progression. Monitoring creatinine levels helps healthcare providers evaluate the severity of kidney impairment and make informed decisions regarding management and treatment.