Exploring the link between kidney dimensions and anthropometric measurements: insights from a Saudi population study

Introduction Ultrasound (US) measurements of kidney dimensions are essential for correlating with height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), establishing kidney size baselines, and assessing renal health. The global rise in obesity has increased interest in the links between BMI and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigates the relationship between renal dimensions (length, width, and thickness) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, and BMI) in a Saudi population. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at two ultrasound clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 129 participants (73 males and 56 females) aged 18–60 years. Kidney dimensions were measured using ultrasound machines. Spearman correlation assessed relationships between kidney dimensions and age, height, weight, and BMI, while the Mann-Whitney U test investigated sex differences. Results Significant correlations were identified between kidney dimensions and anthropometric measures. Age negatively correlated with kidney thickness for both kidneys (right: r = –0.502, p < 0.0001; left: r = –0.542, p < 0.0001) and left kidney width (r = –0.204, p = 0.020). Height positively correlated with all kidney dimensions. Weight also positively correlated with kidney dimensions. BMI showed positive correlations with right kidney length (r = 0.219, p = 0.013) and width (r = 0.319, p < 0.0001), and left kidney length (r = 0.209, p = 0.018). Males had greater kidney thickness and left kidney width compared to females. Conclusions This study establishes significant correlations between renal dimensions and anthropometric measures in a Saudi population, highlighting the importance of considering individual characteristics in renal assessments. These findings support the development of personalized clinical guidelines for improved renal condition management.