ETIOLOGY AND RENAL HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ELDERLY PATIENTS AT THONG NHAT HOSPITAL

Abstract

We conducted this study to investigate the etiology and histopathological characteristics of kidney diseases in elderly patients undergoing kidney biopsy at Thong Nhat Hospital. This cross-sectional, retrospective study included all patients who underwent kidney biopsy at Thong Nhat Hospital from the period between May 2012 and May 2022, excluding cases with (1) inadequate samples for pathological analysis, (2) repeated biopsies and (3) incomplete medical records. The results showed that steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome was the leading indication for kidney biopsy in the elderly (64%). Primary glomerular diseases were the leading cause of kidney diseases, with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy being the commonest types, accounting for 32,5% and 19,4%, respectively. In contrast, minimal change disease and IgA nephropathy were less common than in younger patients. Additionally, diabetic nephropathy and tubulointerstitial lesions appeared more frequently in the elderly group. Our study revealed that the histopathological features of kidney diseases in elderly patients differ significantly from those in younger patients, with a higher prevalence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy. Therefore, early and accurate recognition of these features is crucial for precise diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate treatment of kidney diseases in the elderly.