Minimal change disease diagnostic study of choice

Overview Renal biopsy may be helpful in the diagnosis of minimal change disease.

Other Diagnostic Studies Renal biopsy may be helpful in the diagnosis of minimal change disease. Within four weeks of treatment with steroid therapy, most of the patients with minimal change disease (MCD) will respond positively. Before considering renal biopsy steroid therapy can be initiated in patients who fulfill the following criteria because of the invasive process of the biopsy. Age Patients must be older than 1 year and less than 12 years. Normal complement levels No signs of hypertension, gross hematuria, or a marked increase in serum creatinine. By following this protocol in patients with minimal change disease we can avoid unnecessary invasive approach in almost 80% of the patients.