Improving patient outcomes: lessons learned from a new kidney biopsy program, a covid-19 era initiative
Main Article Content
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4182-6736
Rolando Milord
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1245-3579
Jonathan Cerrud
Norman Bustamante
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8896-5194
Abstract
Kidney biopsy is a critical diagnostic tool in nephrology, often requiring specialized expertise and infrastructure. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our second-level hospital, located in a rural area of Panama, lacked the capacity to perform kidney biopsies in-house. Patients were referred to a distant tertiary care center, leading to delays and limited access to timely diagnosis.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, exacerbating these challenges. To address this, our hospital implemented an in-house kidney biopsy program. Over the course of the pandemic, we performed our first 30 kidney biopsies, and through the continuing of the program, it has enabled us to characterize a wide range of glomerular pathologies, including nephrotic and nephritic syndromes and chronic kidney disease of unknown cause, with our over more than 100 kidney biopsies.
This study evaluates the impact of this in-house kidney biopsy program. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for innovation and adaptation in healthcare delivery. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire other healthcare institutions to consider similar initiatives and contribute to the advancement of nephrology care, especially in resource-constrained settings.
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