The Role of Electron Microscopy for the Diagnosis of Childhood Glomerular Diseases

Objective: Optimum diagnosis of glomerulopathies requires light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microcopy. In fact electron microscopy has a confirmatory role in glomerular diseases. It provides more information for patient management and can rule out other diseases. The goal of the present study is analysis the necessity of electron microscopy for the diagnosis of childhood glomerulopathies.
Methods: 134 cases of renal biopsy with some clinical data retrospectively were reviewed. The contribution of electron microscopy to the final diagnosis was graded as necessary - diagnosis could not be reached without it, supportive - it increased the level of confidence in the final diagnosis and noncontributory - the diagnosis don't need electron microscopy for confirmation.
Findings: The contribution of electron microscopy to the final diagnosis was necessary in 51 cases (38%), supportive in 40 cases (≈30%) and noncontributory in 43 cases (32%).
Conclusion: In conclusion the results showed in about 68% of childhood glomerulopathies the ultrastructural study was necessary or supportive, so electron microscopy still remains an important tool in diagnosis of childhood glomerulopathies.