Should We Always Defer Treatment of Kidney Disease When There Is Extensive Interstitial Fibrosis on Biopsy?

Severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) seen on kidney biopsy has been used by nephrologist as prognostic marker of kidney disease. While IFTA is a very strong predictor of kidney failure, some patients with severe fibrosis will still not progress to kidney failure within 5 years. Treatment of underlying kidney disease in select patients with severe IFTA should be considered when risks of treatment are reasonable despite the low potential for benefit.Am J Nephrol 2016;44:286-288
Source: American Journal of Nephrology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research