Kidney biopsy during pregnancy: a difficult decision. A case series reporting on 20 patients from Mexico

Background Kidney biopsy is a routine procedure in the diagnosis of kidney disease, but during pregnancy it carries potential adverse effects for both mother and child, aside from the challenges of obtaining adequate tissue samples. Nevertheless, a precise diagnosis is necessary when specific and potentially toxic treatments are to be used during pregnancy. The present report presents our experience with regard to the usefulness and safety of kidney biopsies during pregnancy. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical indications, complications, histopathological diagnoses, and treatment of patients who had kidney biopsies done at a single academic center during gestation weeks 11–30 between January 2015 and January 2019. Results Kidney biopsies were carried out in 20 pregnant patients with nephrotic proteinuria. Biopsy was adequate in all patients. The histological diagnoses included focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (collapsing, tip and perihiliar varieties), membranous lupus nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and IgA nephropathy. Treatment was associated with reduction of proteinuria in 17 patients and reduction of serum creatinine in 9 out of 11 patients who had serum creatinine ≥ 1 mg/dl at the time of biopsy. There was one major bleeding complication that required transfusion of one unit of blood. There was a high incidence of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight despite appropriate kidney disease therapy. Conclusions Kidney biopsy may be done during pregnancy when therapeutic decisions depend on a precise pathologic diagnosis. Graphical abstract