SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EVALUATION OF ASYMPTOMATIC MICROSCOPIC HEMATURIA IN YOUNG MEN

Objective To evaluate the extent of diagnostic evaluation that is nece ssary in young men with asymptomatic microscopic haematuria. Patients and methods A group of 157 men (mean age 24.8 years [range 18-53]) who presented with asymptomatic haematuria were investigated with repeate d urine analysis, Addis count, urinary cultures, blood tests, ultrason ography, pyelography, cysto-urethroscopy and finally renal biopsy. Res ults The results showed pathological findings in 31.2% of patients. Of the 157 individuals, 33.1% did not complete the study. In 14.6% urolo gical disease was found, including two patients with urothelial cancer . Renal biopsy detected glomerulopathy in 16.5% of all patients, IgA n ephritis being the most common diagnosis (42% of all biopsies). Conclu sion Even in young patients, microscopic haematuria should be investig ated and followed thoroughly. Renal biopsy seems to be optional; once a diagnosis is established repeated and unnecessary examinations can b e avoided.