Pattern of glomerulonephritis in Chinese population: The effect of renal biopsy on the therapeutic decision

A retrospective analysis of 190 consecutive renal biopsies was undertaken to assess the pattern of glomerulonephritis in Chinese, and the role of renal biopsy in paediatric nephrology. Minimal change nephropathy, IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy comprised 41%, 16% and 13% of primary glomerular diseases, respectively. Minimal change nephropathy accounted for only 61% of patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. In 76 patients the provisional clinicopathological diagnosis was shown to be incorrect or uncertain, and correct diagnosis was made solely on histological examination. In 47 cases a substantial change in therapy occurred on the basis of biopsy results. These data suggest that the practice of renal biopsy in paediatric nephrology performed appropriately in carefully selected patients is a useful procedure.