Sonographic measurement of renal size in normal Indian children

A Otiv1, K Mehta, U Ali

  • 1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, Mumbai, India. anjali.otiv@gmail.com

Indian Pediatrics
|February 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study establishes normal renal size values for Indian children using sonography. Renal length strongly correlates with body height, allowing for easy calculation via regression equations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Establishing reference ranges for organ size is crucial for diagnosing pediatric kidney conditions.
  • Sonography is a non-invasive imaging modality widely used in pediatric diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish sonographically determined reference values for renal size (length, width, thickness) in a cohort of normal Indian children.
  • To correlate renal dimensions with anthropometric parameters (age, weight, height, body surface area).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 1000 healthy Indian children aged 1 month to 12 years.
  • Renal size was assessed using sonography with a 3.5-5 MHz transducer and electronic calipers.
  • Statistical analysis included calculating mean dimensions with standard deviations and deriving regression equations.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in renal size were observed between sexes or between the right and left kidneys.
  • A strong positive correlation (r=0.9) was found between renal length and body height.
  • Renal dimensions showed significant correlation with age, weight, and body surface area.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides valuable reference data for renal length (mean ± 2SD) in normal Indian children.
  • A simple linear regression equation derived from body height can reliably estimate renal length.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a critical indicator of kidney health, reflecting how well the kidneys filter blood. Changes in GFR can signal potential kidney impairment, necessitating accurate measurement methods to monitor kidney function effectively.Various molecules can serve as markers for GFR measurement, with the ideal marker meeting several specific criteria. It must freely filter at the glomerulus, avoid reabsorption or secretion by the renal tubules, remain unmetabolized, not...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Serum Creatinine Concentration and Clearance

In healthy individuals, serum creatinine levels remain stable due to a balance between its constant production—primarily from muscle metabolism—and renal excretion. Creatinine is freely filtered by the glomeruli, making it a valuable marker for estimating renal function. When the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases, the kidneys can only eliminate less creatinine, causing serum levels to rise.Serum creatinine concentration is widely used to estimate creatinine clearance (Clcr), a...
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:27

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration01:28

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be estimated from serum creatinine using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula or the chronic kidney disease–epidemiology collaboration (CKD–EPI) equation. Both methods are widely used in clinical practice to assess kidney function and guide treatment decisions.The MDRD equation does not require weight or height measurements and is normalized to the body surface area of 1.73 m², considered the average adult surface area. This equation is...