[Renal biopsy practice in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta].

In 2010 a questionnaire was administered to the renal units of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta to analyze their procedures for renal biopsy (RB). Seventy-eight percent of units performed RBs, 57% for more than 20 years, but only 43% performed at least 20 BRs per year. 20/21 units performed RB in an inpatient setting and 1/21 in day hospital with the patient remaining under observation the night after.

[Application of guidelines in clinical practice: a multicenter analysis of the treatment of membranous glomerulonephritis in Piedmont, Italy].

The treatment of membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is controversial, especially in cases of no response to first-line treatment or multiple relapses. The Clinical Nephrology Group of Piedmont carried out a multicenter analysis of the treatment of patients affected by MGN in 15 nephrology units in Piedmont. The first treatment is usually started after a waiting period of 3-6 months in case of proteinuria in the nephrotic range but normal or slightly impaired renal function.

Silica and renal diseases: no longer a problem in the 21st century?

Silicosis and other occupational diseases are still important even in the most developed countries. In fact, at present, silica exposure may be a risk factor for human health not only for workers but also for consumers. Furthermore, this exposure is associated with many other different disorders besides pulmonary silicosis, such as progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, glomerulonephritis and vasculitis.