Laboratory Studies
See the list below:
-
Urinalysis: Proteinuria is often the first laboratory manifestation of oligomeganephronia and precedes decline in renal function by several years.
-
Electrolyte, BUN, and creatinine tests: Laboratory manifestations of renal failure are frequently present, including elevated BUN and creatinine levels, hyponatremia, and metabolic acidosis.
-
Calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone assessments: Advancing renal failure may result in secondary hyperparathyroidism.
-
Hemoglobin or hematocrit level: Advancing renal failure may result in anemia due to erythropoietin deficiency.
Imaging Studies
See the list below:
-
Renal ultrasonography (See the image below.)
Renal sonogram of a newborn with spontaneous pneumothorax, preauricular pits, and branchial cysts. The right kidney was absent, and the left kidney was hyperechoic and hypoplastic. The left kidney's length measured 1.8 cm; kidneys in newborns are normally 4.5 cm.
See the list below:
Small kidney size depicted on ultrasonogram usually establishes diagnosis of hypoplasia.
Follow-up of renal growth has not been demonstrated to be predictive of outcome.
-
Guidelines: The American College of Radiology has established guidelines regarding imaging studies in renal failure. [2]
Other Tests
See the list below:
-
If specific syndromes are suspected, the following may be useful:
Hearing tests
Ophthalmologic evaluation
Chromosomal studies
Histologic Findings
See the list below:
-
Exhaustive histologic examination of the kidney is the only way to establish an absolute diagnosis of oligomeganephronia.
-
The number of glomeruli is reduced, and the number of glomerular generations varies from 2-6 (normally ≥ 10).
-
Existing glomeruli and tubules are enlarged, and glomerular diameters of 300-400 nm are common.
-
As the disease progresses, segmental sclerosis and hyalinosis of glomeruli are present.
-
Tubular atrophy with interstitial fibrosis occurs.
-
Renal sonogram of a newborn with spontaneous pneumothorax, preauricular pits, and branchial cysts. The right kidney was absent, and the left kidney was hyperechoic and hypoplastic. The left kidney's length measured 1.8 cm; kidneys in newborns are normally 4.5 cm.
