Safety and Adequacy of Percutaneous Biopsies in Pediatric Orthotopic Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND The gold standard for investigating the cause of renal graft dysfunction is renal biopsy. However, as this procedure is invasive and has inherent risks, its safety must be established. OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of percutaneous renal biopsy in pediatric orthotopic renal transplantation. METHODS Percutaneous renal biopsies performed on pediatric orthotopic renal transplants in a single center between 1987 and 2010 were studied. Biopsy specimen adequacy and post-procedure complications were reviewed by prospectively collected data. RESULTS A total of 54 ultrasound "real-time" guided biopsies in 25 patients were performed. Minimum specimen adequacy was achieved in 98% of biopsy specimens. No major complications were identified; 6% of patients developed minor complications-e.g., grade 3 macroscopic hematuria that did not require intervention. CONCLUSION Percutaneous renal biopsies using "real-time" ultrasound guidance on pediatric orthotopic kidney transplants is safe.