Intrarenal resistive Index [Ri] changes in patients with liver cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

This study included 37 patients with cirrhosis and normal renal function tests divided into three groups based on a modified Child- Pugh classification [12 of Child's grade A, 12 of Child's grade B and 13 of Child's grade C], in addition to 12 healthy individuals of matched age and sex as controls. Renal ultrasound Doppler examination with an estimation of the mean intrarenal resistive index [RI] was done to all patients and controls. There was a significantly increased RI in the patient groups [A, B and C] versus the control. RI was 0.534 +/- 0.063, 0.681 +/- 0.279, 0.783 +/- 0.1075 and 0.459 +/- 0.106, respectively. Also, RI was significantly increased in grade C than A and B, respectively. So, the index showed a significant correlation with the increased Child-Pugh grading and the resistive index was closely related to the severity of cirrhosis and the degree of ascites. Therefore, it is considered a useful index of assessing renal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis