Frequency of congenital renal anomalies during routing ultrasonographic practices: an observational study

Abstract

Background: Congenital renal abnormalities (CRAs), which are frequently found during standard ultrasonographic tests, are important contributors to pediatric morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of congenital renal anomalies during routing ultrasonographic practices

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which ultrasound images of 945 patients were examined. Routine ultrasounds from private practices in Peshawar were observed. It was a one-year study performed over the period from January 2019 to December 2019.

Results: The study included a total of 945 patients with a median age of 2.6 years, comprises of 433 (45.9%) female patients and 512 (54.1%) male patients. The prevalence of CRAs was 3.49% overall, with ectopic kidneys (2.4%), horseshoe kidneys (0.6%), and unilateral renal agenesis (0.3%) being the most prevalent anomalies. Abdominal pain (42%) and recurrent urinary tract infections (58%) were among the clinical manifestations. There were no gender disparities in the presentations, according to statistical analysis, but there was a strong association (p < 0.05) between age and the prevalence of renal abnormalities, especially in children under one year old.

Conclusion: Congenital renal anomalies are prevalent, representing a wide spectrum of conditions with varying degree of severity and need to be diagnosed early so measures can be taken to enhance the prognosis and improves the quality of life of affected individuals.  Radiological incidental findings of renal anomalies should alert paediatricians, obstetricians and physicians to examine for allied anomalies and monitor the affected individuals for any signs of urinary infection, obstruction, and calculi.