STUDY OF CORRELATION OF GREY SCALE RENAL PARAMETERS TO RENAL FUNCTION IN PATIENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Background: 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health concern. While renal ultrasound is routine in management, the correlation of its grey-scale parameters with renal function needs further validation. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between sonographic parameters (renal length, cortical thickness, and parenchymal echogenicity) and renal function in CKD patients.

Methods: 

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 150 CKD patients across all stages. Renal function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Ultrasound parameters measured included renal length, cortical thickness, and echogenicity grade. Statistical analysis involved correlation tests, multivariable linear regression, and ROC curve analysis.

Results: 

Strong positive correlation with echogenicity grade (r=-0.81, p<0.001). Strong, negative correlations were found between eGFR and cortical thickness (r= -0.78, p<0.001), renal length (r= -0.72, p<0.001). These parameters showed a significant trend of worsening with advancing CKD stage (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, cortical thickness and echogenicity grade remained the strongest independent predictors of eGFR. ROC analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy for identifying eGFR <60 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m² (AUC 0.89-0.96).

Conclusion: 

Cortical thickness was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), while increased echogenicity showed a strong positive relationship, and both parameters served as independent predictors of eGFR even after adjusting for confounders.