CORRELATION OF RENAL LENGTH AND CORTICAL THICKNESS MEASURED ON ULTRASOUND WITH THE DEGREE OF RENAL IMPAIRMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction

As the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to increase, efforts to reduce the cost of monitoring and managing this disease are needed. Aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of a generally obtainable measurement at ultrasound in the setting of CKD as a correlate to kidney function. In this study we determined the correlation of ultrasound measured renal length and renal cortical thickness with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methodology

From November 2011 to March 2013, Two hundred (114 men and 86 women, mean age 50 years) clinically diagnosed cases of CKD not on dialysis were studied. The patients were from a single institution. Estimated GFR was determined using Cockcroft and Gault equation. Renal length and cortical thickness were assessed ultrasonographically. The relationships between the renal length and cortical thickness with eGFR respectively were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

A statistically significant, positive and strong relationship was observed between eGFR and mean cortical thickness using the CG equations (Pearson’s r value=0.596, sig p value). There also was a statistically significant and positive, but weak relationship between CG eGFR and mean renal length (Pearson’s r value=0.216, significant p value).

Conclusion

Cortical thickness measured on ultrasound appears to be more closely related to eGFR than renal length. Reporting cortical thickness in patients with CKD who are not on dialysis should be considered.

KEY WORDS      Chronic kidney disease, renal function, ultrasound, renal length, renal cortical thickness