A Six-year Survey of the Spectrum of Renal Disorders on Native Kidney Biopsy Results in Central Iran and a Review of Literature

Abstract

Native kidney biopsy reports in previous studies that are mostly originated in Western countries show various results in different parts of the world. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of renal biopsy disorders in Iran and compare it with that of other studies in the world. This cross-sectional study evaluated consecutive native kidney biopsies performed in four centers in Isfahan, Iran, from 2009 to 2014. We also reviewed other relevant studies in Iran and the world. Overall, 1547 renal biopsies were reviewed; 493 cases were excluded (transplant or re-biopsy cases) and 1054 cases (43.3 female) were included in our study with a mean (+/- standard deviation) age of 33.1 (+/- 18.5) years. The first three most prevalent diagnoses were focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (24.8), minimal change disease (MCD) (14.2), and membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) (9.6). IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was more prevalent among men, whereas lupus nephritis had a higher prevalence among women. In three out of six previous studies conducted in Iran, the most prevalent pathological diagnosis was MGN; in two others, MCD predominated; and in the third study, FSGS had the highest prevalence. In Europe and Western Pacific Region, IgAN was by far the most prevalent GN, while studies in other parts of the world show conflicting results. The most prevalent diagnosis in our study was FSGS, which was consistent with previous studies in Iran, which seems to have an increasing prevalence. It is recommended that having a national registry is crucial to determine the current status and for better planning and management of renal disorders.