Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
05:00
Using a Chemical Biopsy for Graft Quality Assessment
Published on: June 17, 2020
Renal biopsy in elderly patients: a clinicopathological analysis
Shigehiro Uezono1, Seiichiro Hara, Yuji Sato
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.
Renal Failure
|October 20, 2006
Summary
Renal biopsies in elderly patients frequently diagnose nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive renal failure. Percutaneous biopsy is safe and provides crucial diagnostic information, aiding treatment decisions for aging individuals with kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of renal disease in aging populations necessitates renal biopsies.
- Understanding clinicopathological correlations in elderly patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the clinicopathological characteristics of renal biopsies in elderly patients (≥65 years).
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility and safety of percutaneous renal biopsy in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical and clinical records from renal biopsies (2000-2004).
- Analysis of biopsy findings in 61 elderly patients compared to the overall cohort (406 patients).
- Assessment of diagnoses for nephrotic syndrome and acute/rapidly progressive renal failure (A/RPRF).
Main Results:
- Elderly patients commonly underwent biopsy for nephrotic syndrome (43%) and A/RPRF (39%).
- Key diagnoses included focal/segmental glomerulosclerosis (23%), minimal change disease (19%), membranous nephropathy (15%), and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (71% of A/RPRF).
- Histopathological and clinical diagnoses differed in 15% of cases; complication rate was low (3%).
Conclusions:
- Primary glomerular diseases and crescentic glomerulonephritis are frequent in elderly patients undergoing renal biopsy.
- Percutaneous renal biopsy is a valuable and safe diagnostic tool in the elderly, often revealing discrepancies between clinical presentation and pathological findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living donor...