Gonzalez FM, Valjalo R. Essential role of kidney biopsy in diagnosing glomerular diseases amidst evolving biomarkers. World J Nephrol 2025; 14(2): 103756 [DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.103756]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Fernando M Gonzalez, MD, Professor, Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Salvador 486, Providencia, Santiago 7500922, Chile. fgonzalf@uc.cl
Research Domain of This Article
Urology & Nephrology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Nephrol. Jun 25, 2025; 14(2): 103756 Published online Jun 25, 2025. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.103756
Essential role of kidney biopsy in diagnosing glomerular diseases amidst evolving biomarkers
Fernando M Gonzalez, Ricardo Valjalo
Fernando M Gonzalez, Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500922, Chile
Ricardo Valjalo, Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Salvador, Santiago 7500922, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Co-first authors: Fernando M Gonzalez and Ricardo Valjalo.
Author contributions: Gonzalez FM and Valjalo R contributed to the discussion, writing, literature review, and manuscript design.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Fernando M Gonzalez, MD, Professor, Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Salvador 486, Providencia, Santiago 7500922, Chile. fgonzalf@uc.cl
Received: November 29, 2024 Revised: February 23, 2025 Accepted: March 5, 2025 Published online: June 25, 2025 Processing time: 131 Days and 13.1 Hours
Abstract
The discussion on renal biopsies and biomarkers highlights the essential aspects of nephrology. Although novel diagnostic biomarkers are emerging, renal biopsy remains critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment owing to the lack of sufficiently validated biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. Puspitasari et al highlighted the significant changes in renal biopsy indications and histological outcomes before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reflecting the complex interactions between clinical workflows, public health issues, and patient demographics. Although biomarkers are increasingly utilized in nephrology, their importance remains balanced with traditional practices. Advancements in precision medicine are exemplified by tests like plasma anti-phospholipase A2 receptor levels. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant vulnerabilities in nephrology services, emphasizing the necessity for adaptable and robust healthcare strategies to manage chronic conditions during global crises. In conclusion, while biomarkers are poised to assume a more prominent role in nephrology, the significance of renal biopsies and thorough histopathological analysis remains paramount in understanding complex disease processes and guiding personalized patient management. The ongoing integration of traditional diagnostic approaches with innovative biomarker strategies promises to improve patient care and long-term health outcomes.
Core Tip: Puspitasari et al reported significant changes in biopsy indications and histological outcomes before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reflecting the interconnectedness of clinical practices, public health challenges, and patient demographics. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in nephrology services, necessitating flexible management strategies for chronic conditions.
