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Kidney biopsy in the elderly: diagnostic adequacy and yield
Özant Helvacı1, Berfu Korucu2, Ipek İsik Gonul3
1Department of Nephrology, Yıldırım Beyazıt University Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. drozant@hotmail.com.
International Urology and Nephrology
|September 17, 2020
Summary
Kidney biopsies in elderly patients are safe and effective, with diagnostic adequacy comparable to younger patients. Nephrologists achieve higher glomerular yield, ensuring reliable results for older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- The number of kidney biopsies (KB) in elderly patients is rising.
- Safety and usefulness of KB in the elderly are established, but diagnostic adequacy is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic adequacy and yield of kidney biopsies in elderly patients compared to younger adults.
- To assess the safety and complication rates of KB in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 428 kidney biopsies from April 2015 to December 2017.
- Comparison of 50 elderly patients (>64 years) with 378 non-elderly patients (18-64 years).
Main Results:
- Similar glomerular yield and inadequate sample rates between elderly and non-elderly groups.
- Nephrologist-performed biopsies showed higher glomerular yield and lower inadequacy rates in both groups.
- No significant difference in minor complications; no major complications or deaths in the elderly group.
Conclusions:
- Kidney biopsy is a safe and effective tool for elderly patients.
- Diagnostic adequacy of KB in the elderly is not inferior to younger patients.
- Nephrologists performing KB contribute to better diagnostic yield and safety outcomes.
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