Most patients with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis due not require a renal biopsy to make the diagnosis. A percutaneous renal biopsy should be considered if certain factors are present.
Reasons to consider performing a renal biopsy in a patient with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis - one or more of the following:
(1) absence of antistreptococcal antibodies
(2) absence of hypocomplementemia
(3) more severe renal failure
(4) renal failure lasting more than 6 weeks
(5) duration of hypocomplementemia > 2 months
(6) proteinuria lasting > 6 months
(7) hematuria lasting > 12 months
The goal of the renal biopsy is to either confirm the diagnosis of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis or to identify another condition misdiagnosed as poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
