Correlation Between Ultrasound Findings and Serum Creatinine Level in CKD Patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern, and ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosing renal failure and monitoring disease progression. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between renal echogenicity, other sonographic parameters, and serum creatinine levels in CKD patients in Zahedan. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 CKD patients referred for renal ultrasound at Ali bin Abitalib Hospital in 2024. Serum creatinine levels and sonographic indicators were assessed. Data were collected through observation and recorded in an information form. After checking normality distribution, statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and linear regression, were performed using SPSS version 25 software. Results: The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.1 years. Right kidney echogenicity grades were distributed as 20% (grade 0), 38.3% (grade 1), 25% (grade 2), 6.7% (grade 3), and 10% (grade 4), while left kidney echogenicity followed a similar pattern. Serum creatinine (Cr) levels showed a significant correlation with echogenicity grade in both the right (P = 0.001) and left kidneys (P = 0.004), increasing with higher grades. Linear regression indicated that age, echogenicity grade, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were significantly associated with serum Cr, with Cr levels rising as age and echogenicity increased while GFR declined. Conclusion: Renal echogenicity grading correlates more strongly with serum Cr and GFR than other ultrasound parameters such as kidney size and parenchymal thickness. Since serum Cr is a key marker of kidney function, echogenicity serves as a valuable predictor of renal status. Regular renal ultrasound alongside biochemical tests is recommended for CKD patients to facilitate timely interventions.