Kidney biopsy practice amongst Australasian nephrologists

Percutaneous kidney biopsy is the gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of kidney diseases. The associated risks of the procedure depend on the skill and experience of the proceduralist as well as the characteristics of the patient. The Kidney Health Australia - Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment (KHA-CARI) guidelines on kidney biopsies, published in 2019, are the only published national kidney biopsy guidelines. As such, this study surveys current kidney biopsy practices in Australasia and examines how they align with the Australian guidelines, as well as international biopsy practice.

A cross-sectional, multiple-choice questionnaire was developed examining precautions prior to kidney biopsy; rationalisation of medications prior to kidney biopsy; technical aspects of kidney biopsy; complications of kidney biopsy; and indications for kidney biopsy. This was distributed to all members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN).

The response rate for this survey is approximately 21.4 % (182/850). Respondents found agreement (> 75.0 %) in only six out of the twelve questions (50.0 %) which assessed their practice against the KHA-CARI guidelines.

This is the first study of its kind where kidney biopsy practices are examined against a clinical guideline. Furthermore, responses showed that practices were incongruent with guidelines and that there was a lack of consensus on many issues.