DR. KAVITHA S,DR. KARTHIKA,DR. SADHANA
DOI: https://doi.org/Introduction:Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a common kidney condition and a primary factor in chronic kidney failure, accounting for more than 1/3rd of end-stage renal disease instances that necessitate dialysis or kidney transplants. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is a cornerstone technique in renal pathology, crucial for diagnosing various glomerular diseases by detecting immune complex depositions. This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic utility of direct immunofluorescence microscopy compared to histopathology for the diagnosing renal conditions.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was directed on native kidney biopsies received in the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care hospital. Frequency, class, staining intensity, distribution pattern, and localization of immune deposits detected by DIF microscopy across various histopathological categories of glomerulonephritis were analyzed.
Results: Out of a total of 89 renal biopsy cases, 65 cases (73%) were deemed suitable for both histopathological examination and DIF microscopy. Nephrotic syndrome was the predominant clinical manifestation, seen in 63.1% of instances, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis emerged as the most frequent histologic pattern, comprising 27.7% of cases. Among the 65 adequate samples, DIF yielded positive findings in 38 cases (58.5%). The most commonly detected immune deposits involved C3, in combination, present in 94.7% of cases, followed by IgG (68.4%) and IgA (47.4%).
Conclusion: DIF enhances diagnostic accuracy in renal pathology. Its integration with histopathologic findings remains essential for comprehensive interpretation. Inclusion of DIF in native kidney biopsies is justified by its high diagnostic yield.
