[Renal biopsy in the aged]

Pathological findings in urinalysis in the aged persons are usually thought to be caused by pathologic processes other than glomerulopathy. Histological evaluation of renal tissue in older patients is extremely difficult due to coexistence of involuntary changes-hyalinosis, increase in mesangial matrix content, and vascular changes. The aim of the study was to evaluate frequency of glomerulonephritis, both primary and secondary in persons older than 60. In this group, as compared to the younger people the secondary glomerulonephritis was more frequent, amyloidosis and vasculitis nodosa being the most frequent. In primary glomerulonephritis mesangiocapillary type dominate, quite often some tendency to hyalinization could be observed. Renal biopsy is useful as a diagnostic tool in both the aged and young. It should be performed regardless the patients age.