title: [Percutaneous renal biopsy in children: use of a fine needle].
abstract: Percutaneous renal biopsies were performed on native kidneys in 40 children and adolescent, aged 1.7-13 (mean 6.7) years. Bleeding diatheses were excluded by the determination of Hb, blood platelets, PT, PTI and fibrinogen. Biopsies were performed under ultrasound imaging, using a semiautomated and thin needle (20 gauge in children with age under 5 years and 18 gauge for those over 5 years). All the patients were lightly sedated, except for 3 ones who received a general anesthesia. Diagnostically adequate tissue was retrieved in 38 of 40 biopsy procedures (95%). A macro-haematuria was observed with elimination of haematic coagula in 3 children (7.5%) and 24-h post-biopsy ultrasonography disciosed a small haematoma of the biopsied kidney in 2 one (5%). No mayor complications occurred. We conclude that the use of ultrasound imaging and a semiautomated needle is a safe and efficient method for performing renal biopsies in paediatric patients. The use of smaller (18 or 20-gauge) cutting needles would reduce the complications rate while allowing retrieval of sufficient tissue for histologic diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Azienda Ospedaliera Salesi Nefrodialisi Pediatrica, Università degli Studi, Ancona.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cecconi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pieroni
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Pupillo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabrizzi
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cangiotti
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Giorgi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron