Biopsy of the Transplanted Kidney

Abstract

This article describes the current state-of-the-art technique of percutaneous transplant renal biopsy. A brief overview of the history of transplant renal biopsy is given. The indications and contraindications are discussed, including pre- and postprocedure patient management. The technique of the procedure and the devices that are available in the market are described.

Differential expression of microRNAs in renal transplant patients with acute T-cell mediated rejection

“…MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in many biological processes, while they could regulate the expression of genes implicated in immune response [20,27,28]. Furthermore, some studies showed that miR-142, miR-155, miR-223, miR-150 and miR-144 are highly specific for hematopoietic cell lineage [21].…”

“…Currently, tissue biopsy is considered as a gold standard for diagnosis of allograft rejection [10]; however, it is highly invasive and requires risky procedures along with variation in reports of renal biopsies between pathologists [11,12]. The lack of non-invasive, accurate and specific diagnostic assays for graft rejection is a major difficulty in the management of renal transplant recipients [13,14].…”

Interventional Radiologic Management of Renal Transplant Dysfunction: Indications, Limitations, and Technical Considerations

“…A tangential approach at either the upper or lower pole of the allograft yields the largest biopsy area within the renal cortex and avoids major intra-or extrarenal vessels (17,18). The needle track within the kidney should traverse only the renal cortex.…”

“…The reported prevalence of complications including macroscopic hematuria ranges between 0.06% and 13% (18). Macroscopic hematuria is reported to occur in 5%-8% of patients (20,21).…”

Renal biopsy

“…8 Life-threatening complications occur in less than 0.1%. 9e12 Transplant renal biopsy seems to carry a lower complication rate than native renal biopsy, 13 but there are fewer data on renal transplant biopsies. Bleeding complications can usually be managed with bed rest and blood product support if required.…”