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Abstract

Objective: The value of renal biopsy (RB) has been little studied in intensive care units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic impact of this practice, as well as the risk of complications. 

Material and methods: The search was carried out in the Medline database via PubMed, with no time limit, until July 31, 2023. Articles were eligible if they concerned adults hospitalized in intensive care unit who had undergone renal biopsy, with no restriction on the type of article.

Results: 13 articles were selected, published between 1985 and 2023, covering 337 renal biopsies. RB was performed percutaneously in 65% of cases and transjugularly in 25%. The most frequent diagnosis was acute tubular necrosis in 43% of cases, followed by glomerulopathy (25%). Therapeutic modification was permitted in 57% of patients for whom information was available. Complications were observed in 26% of patients, mainly transfusions.

Conclusion: Renal biopsy in intensive care unit can lead to therapeutic modifications when carried out for specific indications. However, this procedure carries a non-negligible risk of complications.