Is it necessary to have a biopsy before a transplant?

[Irelandy]

Hi all, I saw the kidney specialist again today and my results seem to be stable at eGfr 26, no protein in urine. I asked about clinical trials and transplants and he told me I would have to have a biopsy before any of these procedures. I am set against having this done. I wonder how enthusiastic he would be about performing this procedure without a waiver? And I've got a lot more to lose than him.....as always I would value your opinions, many thanks.

[rabbit01]

I decided against a biopsy but I certainly have not heard anything about that decision having any influence on whether I would be considered for a transplant.

[Hidden]

I've not read anything about the requirement of having a biopsy before getting on the transplant list. I have a link for you to read that explains the reason for having one. One of the reasons is if you already have a transplanted kidney and it is failing. Perhaps someone in one of the dialysis communities could provide you with the answer.

kidney.org/atoz/content/kid...

[Irelandy in reply to Hidden]

Hello again Mr_Kidney, thank you for taking the time to reply to my question and for the very useful link. My nephrologist seems to be programmed to following a very linear path and a biopsy seems to be the next stage, and yes I can see why all parameters need to be monitored for a clinical trial, the general consensus is that it is not relevant when it comes to a transplant. The doctor did offer me a session with the dietitian which is something. Your posts are very encouraging and well informed, more power to your elbow. I hope your are as well as you can be.

[gilders]

I know that before I could have a transplant, the condition that has damaged my kidneys (vasculitis) was not active, i.e. it was in remission. The only way to confirm if you are in remission is by doing a biopsy. I don't know your circumstances for renal failure, but the biopsy could be for a similar reason.

There will always be rules for clinical trials to compare patients results. They couldn't get useful results if the patients were at different stages of their health to each other.

Hope that made sense?

[BornLive in reply to gilders]

Hi I too had leacocyto vasculatis something like that. Can I ask what is the reason behind your vasculitis.

Did you had pain killer in childhood or any mercury toxicity by dental department.

?

[gilders in reply to BornLive]

My vasculitis is Wegeners Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangitis). It is not well understood and the cause has not been recognised yet. There is usually a trigger like the common cold that causes your first flare/activity of the disease.

[Irelandy in reply to gilders]

Thanks gilders, since I haven't had a biopsy I do not know exactly what my CKD is. I did have untreated high blood pressure for years and this didn't help. The BP has been stabilised through meds Amlopidine and Dozisosan and this may be why I have not deteriorated. I have also made some dietary changes. At egfr 26 I'm still a way off dialysis/transplant and I intend to stay there as long as possible. I hope you are as well as you can be.