Indications for Percutaneous Ultrasound-guided Renal Biopsy and Complications Associated with It

Abstract

Introduction: Renal biopsy is performed for various reasons depending on the signs and symptoms presented. Although percutaneous kidney biopsy is a safe procedure, major or minor complications may occur. Our study aimed to assess the indications for percutaneous renal biopsy and complications associated with the procedure. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar. Patients who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy at the Institute between October 2017 and June 2019 were enrolled in the study. Data regarding indications for performing a percutaneous renal biopsy and incidence of minor and major post-biopsy complications were collected. Results: A total of 229 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy under ultrasound guidance were enrolled in the study. The most common indications for ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (33.3%), subnephrotic proteinuria with azotemia (14%), and unexplained azotemia with proteinuria and hematuria (13.5%). Post-biopsy complications were observed in 89 (37.55%) patients. Minor complications developed in 83 (36.22%) patients and major complications in 6 (2.62%) patients. Among patients with major complications, two (0.87%) patients underwent invasive procedures (embolization and cystoscopic removal of bladder clot) and four patients developed hemodynamic instability. There was no procedure-related mortality reported in the study. Conclusions: The most common indications for renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome, subnephrotic proteinuria with azotemia, unexplained azotemia with proteinuria, and hematuria. The incidence of major complications was low.