Evaluation of Kidney Parameters in Human Donors from Appalachia

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. The Appalachian region has been identified as an area with a high prevalence of kidney disease and related risk factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study evaluates kidney parameters in human donors from this region, specifically southeastern West Virginia and western Virginia to assess potential deviations in renal morphology and pathology compared to the broader population.Methods: This study analyzed 32 human donors from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s anatomical donation program. Kidney measurements, including length, width, thickness, and volume, were obtained using digital calipers, and statistical comparisons were made against published baseline values. Additionally, the prevalence of renal cysts was recorded and analyzed. Histological evaluations were performed on kidneys presenting gross abnormalities.Results: The average kidney length in this cohort was significantly smaller (93.41 mm) than the lowest reasonable comparator (101 mm, p<0.0001). Similarly, kidney volume was significantly reduced (82.73 cm³ vs. 104 cm³, p=0.00016). Renal cyst prevalence was higher (57.5%) than the expected population rate (35.29%, p=0.008).Discussion: The findings suggest a high prevalence of renal pathology in this sample, potentially reflecting broader trends of CKD, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension in the Appalachian population. The significant reductions in kidney size and increased cyst prevalence may indicate a history of chronic renal stress and subclinical disease. These observations underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and further research into the renal health disparities in this region.

Note:
Funding Information: This project was supported in part by WVSOM startup funds (DSP).

Conflict of Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Ethical Approval: All procedures were performed in compliance with relevant laws and WVSOM institutional guidelines and have been approved by the WVSOM Human Gift Registry and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Approval was granted on 4/15/2024, Reference ID: R040524VG.

Keywords: Kidney disease, cysts, metabolic syndrome, West Virginia