Integration of Biochemical Markers and Radiological Imaging for the Evaluation of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mirpur, AJK

Abstract

Objective: To Integrate Biochemical Markers and Radiological Imaging for the Evaluation of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mirpur, AJK.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Biochemistry & Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College, Mirpur AJK, from 10th April 2023 to 10th March, 2024.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted collaboratively by the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Radiology, Mirpur AJK. A total of 200 patients with confirmed Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD. Blood samples were collected carefully after overnight fasting. Serum creatinine was measured reliably using the Jaffe kinetic method, while serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate were analyzed accurately with an
automated electrolyte analyzer. Radiological evaluation was performed routinely in the Department of Radiology using ultrasonography with a 3.5–5 MHz convex transducer. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 21.

Results: Radiological assessment demonstrated abnormalities occurring predominantly. Reduced renal size was observed commonly in 153 patients (77.3%), while increased cortical echogenicity appeared most frequently,
affecting 166 patients (82.6%). Additionally, loss of corticomedullary junction developed notably in 132 patients (66.6%), whereas renal cysts emerged occasionally in 48 patients (24.7%) and hydronephrosis occurred rarely in 22 patients (10.6%). Correlation analysis revealed that serum creatinine correlated inversely and significantly with renal size (r = –0.63, p < 0.001). Conversely, creatinine correlated positively and strongly with cortical echogenicity (r = +0.72, p < 0.001) and loss of corticomedullary junction (r = +0.67, p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation appeared with renal cysts (r = +0.31, p = 0.012), whereas hydronephrosis correlated weakly and insignificantly (r = +0.27, p = 0.08)

Conclusion: When jointly and integratively interpreted, biochemical parameters and radiological features comprehensively and accurately explain CKD progression. This approach not only diagnostically enhances accuracy but also clinically and timely supports decision-making and individually guides patient care.