Feasibility and Safety of Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy in Small Kidneys: Breaking the Paradigm.

Introduction: The percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB) is an essential tool in nephrology; small kidney size has been a relative contraindication to PKB and there is limited data on the safety and utility of performing PKB in this setting. Our aim was to describe the complications of PKB in small kidneys and to assess if kidney biopsy results have an impact on medical decisions and outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, and observational study.

Kidney biopsy during pregnancy: a difficult decision. A case series reporting on 20 patients from Mexico.

Background: Kidney biopsy is a routine procedure in the diagnosis of kidney disease, but during pregnancy it carries potential adverse effects for both mother and child, aside from the challenges of obtaining adequate tissue samples. Nevertheless, a precise diagnosis is necessary when specific and potentially toxic treatments are to be used during pregnancy. The present report presents our experience with regard to the usefulness and safety of kidney biopsies during pregnancy.

[Prevalence, risk factors and consecuences of late nephrology referral].

Background: Late referral of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to specialized care by the nephrologist is associated with worse patient outcomes while on dialysis.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of late nephrology referral at a Mexican tertiary care hospital.

Material And Methods: Retrospective chart review of all adult patients who began chronic hemodialysis between 2002 and 2006 at the National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chavez" (NICICh), Mexico City.