Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO0755

Obesity Does Not Increase Risk in Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy: Findings from a Retrospective Observational Study

Session Information

• Glomerular Histopathology: Evolving Insights
  November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Glomerular Diseases

• 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics

Authors

• Mariaca Ortiz, Yadira, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez, State of Mexico, Méx., Mexico

Yadira Mariaca Ortiz, MD

• Cortez, Brenda, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez, State of Mexico, Méx., Mexico

Brenda Cortez, MD

• Moguel, Bernardo, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez, State of Mexico, Méx., Mexico

Bernardo Moguel, MD

• Garrido, Ruben, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez, State of Mexico, Méx., Mexico

Ruben Garrido, MS

• Jesus Romero, Miguel Angel, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Miguel Angel Jesus Romero, MD

• Espinoza Rodriguez, Rosa María, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Rosa María Espinoza Rodriguez, MD

Background

Obesity has been considered a factor that increases the risk of complications (especially bleeding) during percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB). Current evidence evaluating the risks of PRB in obese patients is heterogeneous. This study aims to assess the safety of PRB according to body mass index (BMI), as well as the clinical and demographic characteristics of the population.

Methods

Unicentric retrospective observational study in patients who were underwent to percutaneous kidney biopsy from July 2019 and December 2024 at Mexico City. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI: <30 kg/m2 (n=824) and >30 kg/m2 (n=176) to compare outcomes. PKB were real time ultrasound (US)-guided by an interventional nephrologist. A Doppler US post PKB permorfed in all patients to evaluate complications.
Categorization for major complication (hematoma >2cm or gross hematuria with ≥1 g/dL hemoglobin (hb) drop and/or transfusion) and minor if they resolved without intervention.

Results

A total of 1000 patients were included, 61% female with mean age of 36 years. The group with BMI >30 kg/m2 presented a higher frequency of type 2 diabetes (24% vs. 16%, p=0.008) and hypertension (52% vs. 44%, p=0.067). The most frequent indication for PKB was impaired renal function and proteinuria. Minor complications presented in 9.7%, most frecuent was perinephric hematoma <2cm; and 1.7% for major complications. A major complications were not significantly different (1.7% vs. 0.8%, p=0.6).

Conclusion

Despite having more comorbidities and factors associated with increased risk, obese patients (BMI >30 kg/m2) did not experience a significant increase in PRB-related complications. These findings suggest that obesity should not be considered a relative contraindication for the procedure, provided that appropriate techniques are used and patients are thoroughly evaluated.

Funding

• Government Support – Non-U.S.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• doi: 10.1681/ASN.2025r23qafta