The Creatinine Height Index (CHI) Calculator is a diagnostic tool used to assess protein stores and muscle mass in the body. By comparing the actual creatinine excretion in urine to the expected excretion based on a person’s height and sex, this calculator provides insights into muscle mass and nutritional status. It is commonly used in clinical settings to monitor patients with malnutrition, chronic illnesses, or conditions that affect muscle metabolism.
Formula of Creatinine Height Index Calculator
The formula for calculating the Creatinine Height Index (CHI) is:
CHI = (Actual 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion / Expected 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion) × 100
Where:
- Actual 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion is the amount of creatinine excreted in the urine over a 24-hour period.
- Expected 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion is the amount of creatinine expected based on the individual's height and sex.
Steps to Calculate CHI:
- Collect 24-hour Urine Sample: Collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period.
- Measure Actual Creatinine Excretion: Determine the total creatinine excreted in the collected urine.
- Determine Expected Creatinine Excretion: Use standard tables or formulas to estimate expected creatinine excretion based on height and sex.
- Calculate CHI: Apply the formula to find the CHI value.
Interpretation of CHI Results:
- CHI ≥80%: Normal protein stores.
- CHI 60-80%: Mild protein depletion.
- CHI 40-59%: Moderate protein depletion.
- CHI <40%: Severe protein depletion.
General Terms Table
Below is a reference table for expected creatinine excretion values based on height and sex:
Height (cm) | Male Expected Creatinine (mg/day) | Female Expected Creatinine (mg/day) |
---|---|---|
150 | 14 | 10 |
160 | 16 | 12 |
170 | 18 | 14 |
180 | 20 | 16 |
190 | 22 | 18 |
This table provides quick reference points for estimating expected creatinine excretion.
Example of Creatinine Height Index Calculator
Let’s calculate the CHI for a male patient with the following data:
- Height: 170 cm
- Actual 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion: 14 mg/day
- Expected 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion: 18 mg/day (based on the table above)
Using the formula:
CHI = (Actual 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion / Expected 24-hour Urinary Creatinine Excretion) × 100
Substitute the values:
CHI = (14 / 18) × 100
CHI = 0.777 × 100 = 77.7%
This result indicates mild protein depletion, as the CHI falls between 60-80%.
Most Common FAQs
The CHI helps assess muscle mass and nutritional status, making it a valuable tool for monitoring patients with conditions like malnutrition, chronic illnesses, or muscle-wasting disorders.
Yes, but it should be interpret carefully for elderly patients or those with kidney disease, as these factors can affect creatinine excretion independently of muscle mass.
A low CHI indicates protein depletion, which may require dietary interventions, supplementation, or further investigation to address underlying conditions.