Evaluation of unilateral kidney function in children. A comparison between renography and separate clearance

Unilateral kidney function in children was evaluated by determination of 51Cr-EDTA-clearance combined with estimation of side distribution of kidney function by renography. As reference, separate clearance of 51Cr-EDTA, determined by sequential external ureteral occlusions on both sides, was used. A comparison between these two methods was made in 28 patients with varying degrees of unilateral kidney function impairment. A significant correlation was found when the renograms were corrected for extrarenal background activity. Thus, renography in combination with determination of the glomerular filtration rate with 51Cr-EDTA is a valuable method for evaluating separate kidney function in children, both methods being easily performed and requiring small radiation doses.