The Indications, Histological Profile and Complications of Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy at a Nigerian Hospital: A 5-year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background. The objective of the study was to evaluate (I) the technique used at Zenith Medical and Kidney center, Abuja (ii) the disease profile in patients undergoing renal biopsies (both native and transplant kidneys), (iii) the complications experienced during and/or after the procedure, and (iv) the histological yield of the biopsies (number of nephrons per biopsy taken) using this technique (V) The commonest Histological finding and diagnosis

Methods. A retrospective descriptive analysis of all patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy under ultrasound (US) guidance at Zenith Medical and Kidney Center, Abuja was undertaken for the period 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2023. Data obtained from the patients’ files and histology reports were statistically analyzed.

Results. A total of 110 patients qualified for inclusion in the study, all of whom had evidence of kidney dysfunction (native and transplant kidneys) and then had percutaneous renal biopsy performed under Ultrasound guidance. The histology was diagnostic in (87%) of the cases, with more than 5 nephrons present in 95 (87.5%) of the cases. Minor complications were found in 5 (4.5%) of the patients, with 2 major complications noted requiring nephrectomy. Primary renal disease was established in 25 patients (22.7%) the commonest being FSGS in 10 patients (9%) (native kidney category) while in the post kidney transplant category the commonest histological diagnosis was Chronic active antibody mediated rejection 35 patients (31.8%).

Conclusion. The method for performing percutaneous renal biopsy under Ultrasound guidance at the Zenith kidney and medical center, Abuja was safe with good histological yield comparable with international standards. This has gone a long providing optimal care for patients in our facility.