Varvara
Posts:4
My husband has the following values for kidney function:
Creatinine: 1.36 (normal range .8 - 1.25)
Urea: 68 (normal range 15 - 53)
Would these values be generally acceptable to get a PET/CT scan ? to be ok getting the
dye/glucose injections? If so, should he get iv fluids before and/or after the injection to
assist in flushing the kidneys?
We are in Greece and I don't see a EGFR or BUN listed on his bloodwork, just these #'s
Forums
Reply # - January 1, 2019, 08:08 AM
Hi Varvara and welcome to
Hi Varvara and welcome to Grace.
A Pet/CT can affect kidney function due to contrast dye used in the CT. If your husband had CKD (chronic kidney disease) his radiologist may decide not to use contrast., though his levels are still pretty low and not suggestive of kidney disease. If the scans are to get a good look at an early stage disease or in staging cancer the use of contrast is probably fine though he probably will be asked to drink plenty of fluids before and after. After the initial workup in staging it may be decided to follow-up scans without contrast. Most importantly make sure the radiologist knows about the elevated levels so she can determine the best approach for your husband's individual needs, she's in the best position to make that determination.
Here is a link on the subject, https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/Contrast-Dye-and-Kidneys
I hope he does well moving forward,
Janine
I joined GRACE as a caregiver for my husband who had a Pancoast tumor, NSCLC stage III in 2009. He had curative chemo/rads then it was believed he had a recurrence in the spine/oligometastasis that was radiated. He's 10 years out from treatment.
Reply # - January 1, 2019, 09:17 AM
Hi Varvara,Welcome to GRACE.
GRACE Community Outreach Team
Hi Varvara,
Welcome to GRACE. In addition to Janine's great information, I would just add that with factors such as kidney function, the overall trend of the values also can be important. Consequently, it might be helpful for the radiologist to have access to previous values as well.
Jim C Forum Moderator