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Is Increased Echogenicity Related to a Decrease in Glomerular Filtration Rate? Objective Measurements in Pediatric
Yong Seung Lee1, Mi-Jung Lee2, Myung-Joon Kim2
1Department of Urology and Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|August 7, 2015
Summary
Renal echogenicity measurement can predict kidney function in children with a single right kidney. Increased right kidney-liver echogenicity ratio indicates reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Quantitative renal echogenicity correlates with histology in adults.
- Its application and correlation with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in pediatric patients remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between renal echogenicity and GFR in pediatric patients with a solitary functioning kidney.
- To assess the clinical utility of echogenicity measurements in evaluating renal function in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 91 pediatric patients (<10 years) with a solitary functioning kidney.
- Simultaneous ultrasonography and serum cystatin C evaluation for GFR estimation.
- Quantification of renal echogenicity and correlation with age-matched GFR values.
Main Results:
- The right kidney-liver echogenicity ratio was significantly elevated in pediatric patients with decreased GFR.
- This ratio demonstrated feasibility and a close relationship with reduced renal function in right solitary kidney cases.
- Absolute kidney echogenicity and the left kidney-spleen ratio were not independent markers for decreased GFR.
Conclusions:
- The right kidney-liver echogenicity ratio is a feasible and objective measure for assessing renal function in pediatric patients with a right solitary kidney.
- This finding offers a non-invasive method to evaluate kidney function in children, particularly when GFR is compromised.
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