EVALUATION OF PERCUTANEOUS KIDNEY BIOPSY COMPLICATIONS IN AMBULATORY PATIENTS– A TWO YEAR REVIEW FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy Complications

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the complications of percutaneous kidney biopsy in ambulatory patients in a tertiary care centre over a two year period.
Study Design: Cross sectional, descriptive.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Nephrology Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from Jan 2008 to Jan 2010.
Material and Methods: Patients referred to the Nephrology Department for kidney biopsy were considered for inclusion in the study provided they did not have any contraindications to the procedure and had a normotensive state with BP <130/90 mm Hg and a normal coagulation profile including partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, bleeding time and platelet count. Patients with an evidence of malignancy, congenital anomalies of kidneys on ultrasound examination or a skin disorder affecting the likely site of biopsy were excluded.
Results: A total of 100 patients who merited standard indications for kidney biopsy were included in the study. Average age was 45.53 years (+1 SD = 10.96) with age range of 25 years to 75 years. There were 83 males (83%) and 17 females (17%) with male to female ratio of 4.9:1. Microscopic hematuria occurred in 82 (82%) patients. Gross hematuria occurred in 12 (12%) patients. Decrease in hemoglobin level by 1 g/dL or more occurred in 35 (35%). There was no episode of hypotension secondary to severe bleeding. No patient required transfusion. Surgery was not required in any patient for controlling bleeding. Death was not recorded among the reported complications.
Conclusion: Percutaneous kidney biopsy can be safely conducted as an outpatient procedure with an observation time of 12 hours post-biopsy to watch for any complications.