PERCUTANEOUS RENAL BIOPSY IN SMALL KIDNEYS: A USEFUL AND SAFE PROCEDURE
Introduction:
Percutaneous renal biopsy is a crucial procedure for the adequate diagnosis of various renal pathologies. However, the evidence on its outcomes when performed in small kidneys is limited because this condition is considered a relative contraindication. The present study aims to evaluate the usefulness and safety of percutaneous renal biopsies performed in small native kidneys.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study that included information from patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy between December 2014 and June 2024 in our hospital. Small kidneys were considered as those ≤ 8 cm in women and ≤ 9 cm in men. The characteristics and outcomes of patients with small kidneys were compared with those with normal size.
Results:
9 (6.57%) cases of small kidneys and 128 (93.43%) cases of normal kidneys were included. Renal length was significantly lower in the small kidney group (8.15 cm vs. 10.76 cm, p=0.001). No differences were observed in the other baseline characteristics. [Table 1]. There was no statistical difference in the number of punctures performed during the procedure in small kidneys (2.5 vs 2.18, p=0.119) nor in the incidence of complications (11.1% vs 6.25%, p=0.468). Although fewer glomeruli were obtained in small kidneys (11.78 vs. 23.14, 0.002), a histological diagnosis was obtained in 100%, which led to modify the treatment; the percentage of interstitial fibrosis was similar (21.42% vs. 19.44%, p= 0.72). No difference was found in days of hospitalization (2.43 days vs. 2.93 days, p= 0.695). At 6 months, there were fewer patients with renal replacement therapy (0% vs. 8.9%, p=0.001). At 12 months, no difference in outcomes was found [Table 2].
Conclusions:
Percutaneous biopsies in small kidneys did not present a higher incidence of complications nor did they require more days of hospital stay; moreover, in all cases, they allowed a diagnosis that had an impact on the treatment of the patients. Therefore, we conclude that percutaneous biopsies in small kidneys are useful and safe.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.