Kidney length in healthy term neonates

Abstract

Introduction: There is a lack of data on kidney size in Indian neonates, their determinants, and how the sizes compare with neonatal kidney sizes reported elsewhere. Methods: This cross-sectional study of renal size on ultrasonography was conducted in 765 consecutive healthy term neonates over 1 year at a single center. Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of kidney length and volume with neonatal anthropometric variables and maternal characteristics. Information on kidney size was compared with published reports. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for the length of the right and left kidney were 38.6 ± 2.2 mm and 38.9 ± 2.2 mm, respectively, while the estimated kidney volume of the right and left kidney was 7.7 ± 1.7 ml and 8.3 ± 1.9 ml, respectively. Birth weight and neonatal length were independent predictors of renal length. Kidney length and volume in the present study were significantly lower as compared to that reported in the studies from outside south Asia. Conclusions: Kidney length in Indian term neonates depends on neonatal weight and length and is smaller in comparison to neonates from outside south Asia.