THE VALUE OF NEEDLE RENAL-ALLOGRAFT BIOPSY .3. A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 98  (5) , 922-926
Abstract
Previous studies of the value of percutaneous renal transplant biopsy have been retrospective. We prospectively studied whether biopsy affected patient management. Thity-five patients with elevated serum creatinine level underwent 44 biopsies in situations in which the diagnosis was in doubt. At the time of biopsy, all clinical and laboratory data were reviewed, and a proposed treatment plan was outlined. Biopsy results were available within 24 hours. We evaluated whether biopsy influenced treatment. Other than hematuria (< 24 hours), there were no complications. Nine biopsy specimens (20.5%) were inadequate for evaluation. Forty-six percent of adequate biopsy specimens (36% of total biopsy specimens) influenced patient management. Adequate biopsy specimens resulted in a change in treatment in 10 of 19 patients receiving prednisone and azathrioprine and 6 of 16 receiving prednisone and cyclosporine. The remaining biopsy specimens, although not changing management confirmed the treatment plant in ambiguous clinical situations. We conclude that percutaneous biopsy is an important aid in patient management.