Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with unexplained renal impairment: A single center study

Abstract

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health problem. About 20% of CKD patients have undetermined causes. Data describing histopathological patterns of unexplained impaired kidney functions in Egypt are lacking. We aimed to identify the clinicopathological characteristics and short-term outcomes of adult cases with unexplained impaired kidney functions.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in Assiut University Hospital from August 2018 to May 2022. It included patients with unexplained elevated serum creatinine (serum creatinine > 115 μmol/L) who underwent renal biopsies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data on patient demographics, histopathological patterns, and outcomes after three months. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03586531.

Results

Overall, 210 native renal biopsies were included in the analysis. Glomerular diseases were the most common pathological finding (n = 88, 44.9%), amyloidosis and FSGS were the most prevalent glomerular pathology (15.2%, 14.3%, respectively). Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was diagnosed in 8.1% of the cases; histology suggestive of genetic origin was found in 2.5%, and LECT amyloidosis was found in 3.8% of the cases. Poor outcomes were observed in 43.6% of the patients i.e., renal replacement therapy or death. Treatment strategies were changed based on the biopsy findings in 86 patients (40%).

Conclusion

Amyloidosis and FSGS were the most common causes of unexplained renal impairment. CKDu is not uncommon in Egypt, and more preventive measures are needed. This study supports the irreplaceable role of renal biopsy in disease diagnosis, treatment decisions, and predicting prognosis even in advanced stages.