Pregnancy and percutaneous kidney biopsy

Q: Pregnancy is a contraindication to percutaneous kidney biopsy?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

In early stages of pregnancy, percutaneous kidney biopsy can be performed in the prone position. In later stages, patient can be placed in the sitting or lateral decubitus position. Complication rates are similar as in nonpregnant patients. 

Said that it is not an easy decision. Prudent thing would be to wait till postpartum period, if biopsy is not an urgency to avoid any potential maternal-fetal morbidity.

#ob-gyn

#procedures

#nephrology

References:

Moguel González B, Garcia Nava M, Orozco Guillén OA, et al. Kidney biopsy during pregnancy: a difficult decision. A case series reporting on 20 patients from Mexico. J Nephrol 2022; 35:2293.

Kuller JA, D'Andrea NM, McMahon MJ. Renal biopsy and pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001; 184:1093.

Day C, Hewins P, Hildebrand S, et al. The role of renal biopsy in women with kidney disease identified in pregnancy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2008; 23:201.