[Indications for renal biopsy in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children. Results of a national survey].
BACKGROUND
The role of the renal biopsy in children with nephrotic syndrome is controversial, especially in patients with frequent relapses or corticosteroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.


METHODS
We have sent a survey about the nephrotic syndrome to all the Spanish pediatric nephrologists who are members of the Spanish Association of Pediatric Nephrology. The survey is based in 7 questions about biopsy utility in the different circumstances of the illness.


RESULTS
The survey reveals a scarce participation, 50%. The 85% of the inquired people uses the same diagnostical criterion. Referring the indication of renal biopsy in this disease, the 85% considers that it would be necessary to do it in case of corticosteroid resistance. The 57.7% of pediatric nephrologists would recommend a biopsy in children with frequently relapsing or corticosteroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome prior to cytotoxic therapy. The 33% doesn't practice biopsy before cytostatic administration, only when alterations in the renal function appear during the treatment. The 50% of the inquired considers that less than a year of age is an indication of biopsy in the nephrotic syndrome, and the 24.4% thinks that the age should never be an indication.


CONCLUSIONS
The surveys aren't much used in our country as a resource of information. We think that the participation of expert people in the surveys gives validity to the obtained results. There are different opinions among pediatric nephrologists concerning the biopsy in children with frequently relapsing and corticosteroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
Camacho Díaz
J A
JA
Unidad Integrada Hospital Clínic-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu. Sección Nefrología. Hospital Infantil Sant Joan de Déu. Barcelona. jcamacho@hsjdbcn.org
D001706:Biopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires