Morphological and Structural Study of Native Kidneys in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Dialysis Compared to Non-Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Whether on dialysis or not, native kidneys in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergo morphological and structural changes. Objective: To study native kidney morphometric and structural aspects in CKD patients on dialysis and non-dialysis patients. Methods: It was a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study conducted from May to December 2018. The study enrolled CKD patients on dialysis or not followed at CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. Renal ultrasound was performed to locate cysts and uroscanner completed in the presence of atypical cysts. Through logistic regression, associated factors were determined. Results: The sample size was 240 patients, of which 151 (62.9%) were receiving dialysis and 89 (37.1%) non-dialysis patients. Male subjects were predominant (sex ratio = 1.5). The average size of the right kidney, expressed in mm in patients on dialysis was: pole-to-pole length = 78.56; width = 42.06; cortical thickness = 11.80; and the left kidney: pole-to-pole length = 79.76; width = 41.53; cortical thickness = 12.6. For nondialysis patients, the following size was recorded for the right kidney: pole-to-pole length = 92.35; width = 47.61; cortical thickness = 15.64; and left kidney: length = 92.13; width = 47.82; cortical thickness = 15.43. Predictive factors for the occurrence of acquired renal cysts were: old age (p = 0.0001), dialysis (p < 0.001) and diabetic nephropathy (p = 0.0014). Conclusion: CKD patients on dialysis have small kidneys and are more likely to develop acquired renal cysts. There is a need to carry out an annual ultrasound screening for native kidneys in patients receiving dialysis