Association of Clinical and Biochemical Parameters with Renal Resistive Index in Type 2 Diabetic patients with Normal Albuminuria

Objective: To determine the association between the renal resistive index (RRI) and different biochemical and clinical parameters in type 2 diabetic patients with normal albuminuria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore with a diabetic clinic collaboration for one year from January to December 2023. After ethical approval, 300 type 2 diabetic patients with normal albuminuria <30 mg/g were included by non-probability convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, patient demographic and clinical details were noted on the proforma. All the patients underwent renal Doppler ultrasound and RRI was estimated. Various biochemical parameters of the patients were estimated. The data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Results: The average RRI was >=0.70 in 64(21.3%) patients who were labeled as having nephropathy, >=0.65 to <0.7 in 82(27.4%), and 154(51.3%) had normal RRI. There was a significant association of renal resistive index with duration of diabetes mellitus (DM), serum creatinine, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients with normal albuminuria (p-value=<0.05). Conclusion: Renal resistive index had a significant association with duration of diabetes, serum creatinine, urinary ACR, GFR, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile. It can be used for early detection of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients with normal albuminuria.