Evaluation of renal biopsies in various kidney diseases with reference to staining

Renal diseases of different origin and nature may produce essentially similar disturbances of renal functions and may have clinical similarities and hence there was a need to classify renal diseases more scientifically. The basic approach was to correlate clinical signs and symptoms with histological changes in the tissue, using both simple and special staining techniques so as to reach to a definitive diagnosis. The present study was conducted on renal biopsy referred to pathology department. Criteria for successful biopsy were as follows-Adequate biopsy sample size, correct processing of specimen, informed interpretation and issue of an accurate report. A total of 29 renal biopsies were examined. In minimal change disease, only in 4 patients the glomerulus was sclerosed. Membranous glomerulonephritis comprised of the maximum number of cases (9/30). Total of 3 cases of renal biopsies revealed amyloidosis. Focal amyloid deposits with deposits either near the hilum or perivascular areas were found in 33.3% of cases, while extensive amyloid deposits were found in 33.3% of the cases. It is necessary to determine both the type of renal disease and the cause of the primary disorder in order to make the diagnosis and various staining techniques play a very helpful role. The likelihood that the biopsy specimen accurately reflects the type and severity of the underlying disease is directly related to both the diffuseness of the disease process and the amount of tissue examined.