Renal ultrasound lengths: correlations and reference values in an adult population of Havana

Abstract

Introduction: Renal length estimation by ultrasound is an important parameter in clinical evaluation and handling of patients with renal diseases. The changes in the renal size can suggest illness; therefor it becomes necessary to have reference values from the population where the fellow belongs. Objectives: To identify renal dimensions, their correlations with demographic, anthropometric and clinical variables, as well as to determine values of reference of renal lengths in a Havana's adult population. Methods: An observational descriptive cross section study was developed, in 310 healthy Cubans adults. The dispersion diagram, the lineal correlation coefficient of Pearson, the test t, and the test of ANOVA, were used to identify the relationship between the renal measurements and the rest of variables. The relationship between the renal measurements and the outstanding variables were expressed by means of adjustments of models of multiple lineal regressions. Results: The means of renal lengths were: 105.2 mm (right kidney) and 108.7 mm (left kidney). The lengths showed significant relationship with the weight and height of individuals (p <0.05). Percentiles reference charts were created for the renal lengths. Conclusions: The renal lengths show a strong and direct correlation with the weight and height of fellows. Reference values of renal lengths of Cubans younger than 60 years are presented, according to the weight and height of subjects.

Key words: renal length, kidney sonography, reference values.