Abstract
Abstract:
Background: In children with renal disease, a biopsy may be performed to provide a diagnosis, and/or to assess the progression of disease or effect of treatment. The objective of this study was to
survey the indications for biopsy, and the diagnoses and complications after biopsy in children with
signs of renal disease.
Method: this is a retrospective study of the medical records of the children with native kidneys who has been kidney biopsied at the Department of Pediatrics, Rikshospitalet, Oslo in the period 1/1-2004 to 31/12-2008.
Results: 69 biopsies was performed on 61 different children (57% girls, 43% boys) aged 2,5 months to 17,8 years. Mean age was 9,3 years. The presentation of renal disease were often atypical, with more than one symptom or symptom complex. In 33% of the biopsies the patient had a known or suspected systemic disorder or congenital syndrom with kidney affection. 88,4% of the biopsies concluded in a diagnosis, most common being Nephrotic Syndrome with Minimal Change (20,3% of biopsies). 2,9% of the biopsies had pathological findings, but a precise diagnosis could not be given. 8,7% of the biopsies were normal. Surgical intervention due to complications was only required after one biopsy (coiling).
Conclusion: The indications for renal biopsy in this study were consistent with the guidelines found in litterature. The variety of given diagnoses in this study reflects the diversity of renal diseases that may be found in children. Renal biopsy, especially when seen in connection with clinical features, has a high diagnostic value. Renal biopsy in children performed in accordance with the present guidelines may be considered a safe procedure.