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Histopathological findings in elderly patients.
Priscylla Aparecida Vieira do Carmo1, Gianna Mastroianni Kirsztajn, Wander Barros do Carmo
1Fundação IMEPEN, Brazil. pvcarmo@gmail.com
Jornal Brasileiro De Nefrologia
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Kidney biopsies in elderly Brazilians revealed glomerular diseases as the most common finding, particularly membranous nephropathy and hypertensive nephrosclerosis. These diagnoses highlight the importance of kidney biopsy for guiding treatment in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatrics
- Pathology
Background:
- Increasing global elderly population and life expectancy in Brazil.
- Glomerular diseases are prevalent comorbidities in the elderly.
- Kidney biopsy is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney diseases in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of histological diagnoses in elderly patients undergoing kidney biopsy.
- To emphasize the prevalence of glomerulopathies (GPs) in this demographic.
- To analyze diagnoses at two Brazilian university centers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of kidney biopsy reports from patients aged 60 and above (1996-2003).
- Exclusion of transplanted kidneys and nephrectomies.
- Analysis of clinical presentation and histological findings (light microscopy, immunofluorescence).
Main Results:
- 113 biopsies analyzed; mean age 66.0 ± 6.0 years; male predominance (54.8%).
- Nephrotic syndrome (32.7%) was the most common clinical presentation.
- Predominant glomerular diseases included membranous nephropathy (15%) and hypertensive nephrosclerosis (11.5%). Primary GPs constituted 45.2% of diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Nephrotic syndrome was the primary indication for kidney biopsy in this elderly cohort.
- Glomerular diseases, especially membranous nephropathy and hypertensive nephrosclerosis, were the predominant histological findings.
- The diverse range of diagnoses underscores the necessity of kidney biopsy for informed clinical decision-making in elderly patients with kidney disease.
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