Desmopressin Acetate in Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Native Kidney Biopsy in Patients with Reduced Kidney Function: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Bleeding events are the most common complications after kidney biopsy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of desmopressin administration on bleeding complication, in native kidney biopsy candidates with reduced kidney function.

This double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 18 to 80 years old patients with 15 < eGFR < 90 mL/min/ 1.73m² from July 2017 to August 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 3 μg/kg of intranasal desmopressin acetate or 1 mL/kg of intranasal sodium chloride 0.65%, one hour before ultrasound-guided, percutaneous native kidney biopsy. The primary outcome was the post-biopsy bleeding complications, and secondary outcomes were the volume of perirenal hematoma, and changes of post-biopsy hemoglobin and hematocrit level, plasma sodium and blood pressure (Clinical Trial Registration ID:IRCT20090701002112N3).

A total of 120 patients (58 men and 62 women), 60 patients in each group, were analyzed. The mean age and eGFR of the patients were 45.29 ± 15.95 years and 51.77 ± 18.02 ml/min/ 1.73m², respectively. Desmopressin administration significantly decreased post-biopsy perirenal hematoma compared to placebo (7/60 [11.6%]) vs. 33/60 [40%]; P < .05), and the hematoma volume was significantly smaller in the desmopressin group, in case of hematoma formation (2.31 ± 1.17 vs. 7.72 ± 5.45 mm³, P < .05).

Desmopressin administration before kidney biopsy is a safe and effective strategy to prevent bleeding complications. Considering absolute risk reduction of about 28%, the number needed to treat is about 4 procedures. We recommend considering desmopressin administration before percutaneous native kidney biopsy.