Analysis of factors associated with complications following renal transplant needle core biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine factors associated with complications in patients undergoing renal transplant biopsy.


METHODS
A total of 210 consecutive renal transplant patients biopsied for acute graft dysfunction or as part of a long term surveillance programme. Biopsies were performed under ultrasound control at two centres (Nottingham City and Leicester General Hospitals).


RESULTS
Seventeen patients developed macroscopic haematuria following biopsy (8%). There were no graft losses. In cases where at least one biopsy core contained only renal medullary tissue, there was a significantly higher risk of a post-biopsy bleed (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that even with careful ultrasound guidance, renal transplant biopsy has an important complication rate. Every effort must be made to obtain very superficial biopsies which consist largely or exclusively of renal cortex.
Beckingham
I J
IJ
Transplant Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, UK.
Nicholson
M L
ML
Bell
P R
PR
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology*; D007672:Kidney Cortex / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography