Audit of Renal Allograft Biopsies Handled in a Nephropathology Unit in Kano, Nigeria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Renal biopsy is important for monitoring renal allografts for the signs of rejection, infection or other complications. Aim: The aim of this study was to carry out a preliminary audit of such allograft biopsies handled at a tertiary health facility to identify the areas in need of improvement. Methods: All archival records of allograft renal biopsies processed in a specialised nephropathology unit in the year 2022 from January to December were extracted and analysed for clinical information provided, sample characteristics, histologic diagnoses and post-analytic events. Results: Twenty-one (11%) of 188 renal biopsies were allograft biopsies. Two (10%) of these were unrepresentative, but all biopsies were adequately fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. Five of the received cores were <1 cm in length and showed varying degrees of crush artefact. Tissues submitted were sufficient for all stains except for 2 cases. Seven of the cases had <7 glomeruli, whereas the remaining 14 cases had between 7 and 35 glomeruli. Eight (42%) cases were free from rejection changes, whereas the remaining 58% were positive for rejection nephropathy. Turnaround time ranged from two to three working days in 81% of cases and up to seven days in the remaining 11% of cases. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, including the provision of adequate clinical information and the use of standardized protocols, can help to ensure that biopsy results are used effectively to guide patient management.
Source: Nigerian Journal of Medicine
Institution: Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Transplantation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $160
OpenAlex ID: W4410617671