Renal biopsies under ultrasound guidance: 100 consecutive biopsies in children.

To examine the number of renal biopsies in correlation with the pattern of referrals as well as the major categories of renal diseases for the procedure peculiar to children, the data of 100 consecutive percutaneous renal biopsies using disposable biopsy needles under ultrasound guidance in 99 children were reviewed. To examine the risks and accuracy of the procedure the estimated depth of the kidney by ultrasound, the actual biopsy depth, the success rate and the complications were evaluated. With rare exception, 1 core of renal tissue was obtained per single needle insertion; 109 needle insertions yielded 103 cores. Of the specimens 92 per cent contained more than 10 glomeruli. Gross hematuria with the first voiding post-biopsy occurred in 12 per cent of the cases but persisted beyond 24 hours in only 1 per cent. No long-term complications were observed. Percutaneous renal biopsy with the disposable needle guided by ultrasound represents a considerable advance in diagnostic technique and deserves wider application in the evaluation and management of a number of pediatric kidney disorders.