Abstract: SA-PO0955
Adequacy and Safety of Kidney Biopsy: Systematic Review Comparing Procedures by Nephrologists and Radiologists
Session Information
- Pathology: Updates and Insights
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pathology and Lab Medicine
- 1800 Pathology and Lab Medicine
Authors
- Shirsat, Pallavi D., Minden Medical Center, Minden, Louisiana, United States
- Sonavane, Kunal, Willis Knighton Bossier, Bossier City, Louisiana, United States
- Bansal, Vikas, WellSpan Health, York, Pennsylvania, United States
- Kashyap, Rahul, WellSpan Health, York, Pennsylvania, United States
Background
Percutaneous kidney biopsy is a key diagnostic tool, traditionally performed by nephrologists but increasingly by radiologists. Comparative data on sample adequacy and safety between these providers remain limited.
Objective: To compare the diagnostic yield and safety of kidney biopsies performed by nephrologists versus radiologists in adults.
Methods
A systematic review of PubMed (Jan '05-May '25) and manual reference checks identified retrospective single-center studies (N=7) comparing outcomes of native or transplant kidney biopsies under real-time ultrasound, Primary outcome was sample adequacy (glomeruli count) and secondary outcome was complication rate (hematuria, transfusion,hematoma).
Results
For glomeruli sampled, the pooled analysis showed a non-significant mean difference (MD 0.31, 95% CI -4.25 to 4.88; p=0.89) with 97% heterogeneity. For gross hematuria, pooled odds ratio was non-significant (OR 1.13,; p=0.86; i2=71%). Pooled odds ratio for transfusion need was non-significant (OR 1.38, p=0.44; i2=29%). Finally, the pooled odds ratio for hematoma showed no difference (OR 1.22,; p=0.52).
Conclusion
This is the first systematic review to analyze data from multiple observational studies to date on the adequacy and safety of kidney biopsy samples performed by both nephrologists and radiologists. Our findings demonstrate that biopsies conducted by nephrologists yield adequate tissue samples and are comparably safe, similar to those performed by radiologists. These results support the continued involvement of nephrologists in performing kidney biopsies and underscore the importance of preserving this valuable clinical skill within the specialty.
Forest plot diagram showing results