Can a simple ultrasound predict kidney disease progression? This prospective study investigates the renal resistance index (RRI), measured via duplex ultrasound, as a predictor of renal disease progression in patients without renal artery stenosis. The research aims to identify those at high risk of declining renal function. The RRI was measured in segmental arteries of both kidneys in 162 newly diagnosed patients. The results showed that patients with an RRI value ≥80 had a significantly higher risk of declining renal function, progressing to dialysis, or death. Multivariate regression analysis identified proteinuria and RRI as independent predictors of declining renal function. The findings indicate that RRI is a reliable marker for identifying patients at risk of progressive renal disease. This non-invasive measurement may aid in early intervention and improved management of patients with renal conditions, enhancing their chances of better long-term outcomes.
Published in Hypertension, this research is highly relevant due to the close relationship between hypertension and renal disease. The study's focus on the renal resistance index (RRI) as a predictor of declining renal function directly addresses issues of interest to the journal's readership. This alignment with Hypertension's scope ensures its significance within the field of cardiovascular and renal medicine.