Isolated microscopic haematuria in the genitourinary clinic: the value of renal biopsy

Abstract

Summary: Isolated microscopic haematuria is a common finding in the genitourinary clinic. The conventional approach to investigation includes urological referral for cystourethroscopy if renal imaging is normal. However the diagnostic yield is very low; in particular urothelial malignancy at age Glomerular disease is increasingly recognized as a common cause of microscopic haematuria. In this study 50 patients with persistent microscopic haematuria detected at a genitourinary clinic underwent renal biopsy. Twelve (24%) had an abnormal biopsy-IgA nephropathy 6 (12%), thin membrane nephropathy 3 (6%), other glomerulonephritis 3 (6%). In 7 others no abnormality was found but information was incomplete as electron microscopy was unavailable. It is important to establish these diagnoses since some patients will develop progressive renal disease. In this clinical setting renal biopsy will give diagnostic and prognostic information, protects from repeated urological investigation, and allows reassurance if renal histology is normal. Renal biopsy is recommended for patients age < 40 years with persistent microscopic haematuria. An algorithm for the investigation of microscopic haematuria is presented. < 40 years is rare.