Renal biopsy in high-risk patients with medical diseases of the kidney

The number of high-risk patients undergoing renal biopsy is likely to incre ase in the near future because of the increased use of anticoagulants for s uch conditions as atrial fibrillation, combined liver and kidney disease ca used by hepatitis C, and the aging of the population. Nephrologists need to become increasingly familiar with evaluating such patients through both sp ecialized management of percutaneous kidney biopsy and alternate methods of renal biopsy, which primarily consist of open (surgical) biopsy, transjugu lar (transvenous) biopsy, and laparoscopic biopsy. The indications, complic ations, and general approach to such patients are discussed. This is a US g overnment work. There are no restrictions on its use.