Comparison of Yield and Complications between Pediatric Renal Biopsy Devices: A Retrospective Review

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective review comparing the yield and complications between the Bard Magnum and Merit Corvocet Automatic Biopsy Devices and investigate our hypothesis that the latter device would demonstrate greater yield and complications owing to its mechanism.

Method(s): A total of 112 pediatric kidney biopsies for 99 patients were performed by interventional radiologists with real-time ultrasound guidance between 2017 and 2021. Sixty-eight and 44 biopsies were completed using the Bard and Corvocet devices, respectively, with 2 biopsies completed using both devices. The mean age, weight, and body mass index were 138.13 months, 46.09 kg, and 21.58 kg/m², respectively. Fifty-seven biopsies corresponded to females. Patient data were extracted and compared using t-tests and chi-square tests.

Result(s): The most common complication was a Hb drop (67.86%). Hematuria and Hb drop >15 g/dL were higher in the Corvocet group, X2 = 5.72, p = 0.017, and X2 = 4.61, p = 0.032. The mean number of cores and Hb drop in transplant kidney biopsies were higher in the Bard group, t (109) = 2.16, p = 0.033, and t (8) = 2.49, p = 0.038.

Conclusion(s): This is the first study to compare these biopsy devices and report on the performance of the Corvocet device. These findings should be considered when evaluating renal biopsy device choice.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023