Quantitative analysis of normal kidney function using radioisotope technique

Abstract

Kidney function study for 24 normal volunteers (13 males and 11 females; age 25-66 years) using radioisotope imaging (Gamma Camera Based Method) were undertaken. Normal range for GFR was estimated based on [TC-99m] DTPA uptake within the kidneys at 2-3 minutes interval after the arrival of the intravenously injected radiopharmaceutical. Normal value of GFR was 102.1 ml/min, SD 13.8ml/min with the range of 77.4-133.0 ml/min. When normalised to body surface area NGFR was 111.9 ml/min, SD 19.7 ml/min with the range 78.4-142 ml/min. The left kidney uptake was 4.1-6.6% giving the average value of 5.6%, SD 0.7%. The right kidney uptake was found to be 3.6-7.6% with the average value of 5.5%, SD 0.9%. The total uptake was found to be 11.1% SD 1.4%. The relative uptake function for the left kidney was 50.4% SD 1.6% and for the right kidney was 49.5% SD 1.7%. The time for the maximum activity in the kidney was 4.3 min SD 1.3 min. for the left kidney and was 4.4 min SD 1.3 min for the right kidney. No blood or urine sample was required and each study took about 20 min. This method permits rapid and easy analysis of renal function and is ideal for routine work. The data will form as a baseline to help clinicians with their routine services in our hospital.