Interpreting Kidney USG Results (Dialysis the only Option?)

[krce2]

Hi Everyone - I am writing on behalf of my Dad (77 years old) in India, who was recently diagnosed with CKD. After some routine blood tests showed that his creatinine levels were quite high, my Dad's family physician referred him to a nephrologist who ordered some additional urine tests along with a USG of the kidney and prostate.

The results came back and the nephrologist advised immediate haemodialysis without delay, twice a week.

My Dad is concerned that he is being put on dialysis so immediately and is wondering if there are any other options to consider given that once you are on dialysis, you have to remain on dialysis generally.

Here is a copy of my Dad's kidney test results:

Creatinine: 2.76 mg/dL

Creatinine Clearance: 13.9 mL/min (note: my Dad's urine output is not severely diminished, he goes several times a day, total output around 300 mL on the 1L water restriction he has been given, per day)

USG: Right kidney is small normal in size and low placed with mildly increased renal cortical echogenicity bilaterally (2.1 x 1.6 cm) cortical cyst is seen in mid polar region of right kidney. No evidence of any hydronephrosis, renal calculi or any SOL is seen.

Right Kidney measures = 7.9 cm in length

Left kidney is normal in size, shape, outline, position and show normal cortico-medullary differentiation, maintaining a normal cortical thickness. No evidence of any hydronephrosis, renal calculi or any SOL is seen. (3.3 x 2.8 cm) in upper polar region of left kidney.

Left Kidney mesasures = 9.3 cm in length

I would appreciate any guidance or insight from folks here with similar renal results - is dialysis the only option for someone with the above results?

Thanks in advance!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI krce2,

We are not doctors and cannot diagnose. I would recommend your father talk with the nephrologist to see if the dialysis is the only answer. There are more components to lab results other than creatinine. What is his GFR? Usually people start dialysis when the GFR is below 15 or lower. Here is a site to show you the other labs.

lifeoptions.org/learn-about...

The bottom line is that your father needs to have his situation clearly explained. You concerns are warranted and I would want to know more before starting dialysis. Sorry that is not much help.

[Healthylivin69]

Your dad has a serum creatinine of 2.76 and a creatinine clearance of 13.9ml? His EGFR seems like it is higher at 21 than his clearance.