Renal length and volume prediction in healthy children.

INTRODUCTION: Little information is available regarding the evaluation of renal volume in healthy Latin-American children of different ages. The objective of this work was to establish a predictive model of renal size (volume and length) and develop a web-based calculator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective and representative sample was obtained randomly from the database of healthy children living in Resistencia city, Chaco, Argentina: a) the National Health Program for children under 6 years old; b) school children until 18 years old (primary and middle education). Renal dimensions were obtained by ultrasonography via a single experienced operator at the indicated site (schools or primary health care centers). Renal volume was calculated using Dinkel's formula. A multiple linear regression model was applied using potential predictors. The final model was implemented in a free web-based application. RESULTS: Random selection was made from the database to include 882 subjects with ages between 0.03 and 230.63 months. The data was divided into two sets (one for training and the other for model testing). The training set (423) included 212 (50%) females. Significant predictors included age, height, current weight and birth weight, and the interaction between age and present weight. Using the test dataset, both renal volume and length root mean square errors were 5.06 cm3 and 0.59 cm. CONCLUSION: The prediction model was accurate and allowed for the development a freely-available web app: Renal size prediction (https://porbm28.shinyapps.io/RenalVolume/). Once the models are validated by additional studies, the app could be a useful tool to predict renal volume and length in pediatric clinical practice.

Epidemiology of renal and cardiovascular risk factors in Toba Aborigines.

OBJECTIVES: To detect, educate, and control cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, central obesity, and renal damage markers such as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria within a population of Toba aborigine people who live in the outskirts of Resistencia city, Chaco Province, Argentina. METHODS: A sample was selected from four Toba communities. Blood and urine samples were drawn in their own homes. Proteinuria was considered positive when a urinary protein/urinary creatinine rate (uPr/uCr) > or = 0.20. GFR was estimated by Levy formula, and the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) were as defined in the National Kidney Foundation Guidelines. RESULTS: In all, 385 subjects were included, 36% males, mean age = 36.1 years old. The prevalence of CVD risk factors was as follows: hypertension in 97 (25.2%), proteinuria in 84 (21.8%), CKD in 93 (24.2%) [Stage 1 in 26 (6.8%), Stage 2 in 46 (12%), and Stage 3 in 21 (5.5%)]. No subjects showed CKD Stage 4 or 5. Being overweight was found in 129 (33.5%), obesity in 82 (21.3%), central obesity in 190 (49.4%), and diabetes in 8 (2.1%). The presence of CKD was associated with an increased prevalence in central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, but not obesity. The adjusted relative risk for proteinuria was 2.79 (p < or = 0.008) in subjects of at least 45 years of age, compared to subjects under 25 years. CONCLUSIONS: This group of aborigines showed a high prevalence of proteinuria and CVD risk factors and CKD not related to diabetes.