u/New_Patient2970

My dad had CKD for 14 years and recently took a brave step to do a kidney biopsy. The result confirmed that he had IGA with oxford score being M0 E0 S1 T0. The biopsy also said he had some remaining inflammation deposits.
Nephrologist wanted to put him on Taperyo. Our concerns were, besides the side effect, that there’s no study beyond the 9-month-trial.
His egfr is 27-32, and he’s 68. Has anyone in this age tried this medication, and how’re you doing after the trial ends?
Is this worth for him to try this medication? Our goal is to avoid him from dialysis as long as possible.
He only takes telmisartan 20mg and maintains a very strict low protein diet at this moment.

Thank you for everyone’s insight!

My dad had CKD for 14 years and recently took a brave step to do a kidney biopsy. The result confirmed that he had IGA with oxford score being M0 E0 S1 T0. The biopsy also said he had some remaining inflammation deposits.
Nephrologist wanted to put him on Taperyo. Our concerns were, besides the side effect, that there’s no study beyond the 9-month-trial.
His egfr is 27-32, and he’s 68. Has anyone in this age tried this medication, and how’re you doing after the trial ends?
Is this worth for him to try this medication? Our goal is to avoid him from dialysis as long as possible.
He only takes telmisartan 20mg and maintains a very strict low protein diet at this moment.

Thank you for everyone’s insight!

Hello,
I am a 67 year old male patient. My race is Asia (Vietnamese) and I lived in the US.
I have had chronic kidney disease for approximately 12 years. I am currently CKD stage 3B-4 with proteinuria (protein in urine ranging from about 1.1 to 1.9 g/day).

I have been followed regularly by a nephrologist in the United States since 2024.
My nephrologists have repeatedly recommended a kidney biopsy to better determine the underlying cause of my kidney disease. However, I am hesitant because both kidneys are relatively small, measuring approximately 8.1-9.2 cm.
My questions are:
In a patient with a 12-year history of CKD and kidneys of this size, does a biopsy still often provide clinically useful information?
How much does small kidney size affect the risk-benefit calculation?
In your experience, how often does a biopsy in this type of situation actually change management or treatment?
I understand that no one can give specific medical advice without reviewing my records and examining me. I’m simply trying to better understand how nephrologists think about the decision to biopsy patients with longstanding CKD and small kidneys.
Thank you for your time.

Hello,
I am a 67 year old male patient. My race is Asia (Vietnamese) and I lived in the US.
I have had chronic kidney disease for approximately 12 years. I am currently CKD stage 3B-4 with proteinuria (protein in urine ranging from about 1.1 to 1.9 g/day).

I have been followed regularly by a nephrologist in the United States since 2024.
My nephrologists have repeatedly recommended a kidney biopsy to better determine the underlying cause of my kidney disease. However, I am hesitant because both kidneys are relatively small, measuring approximately 8.1-9.2 cm.
My questions are:
In a patient with a 12-year history of CKD and kidneys of this size, does a biopsy still often provide clinically useful information?
How much does small kidney size affect the risk-benefit calculation?
In your experience, how often does a biopsy in this type of situation actually change management or treatment?
I understand that no one can give specific medical advice without reviewing my records and examining me. I’m simply trying to better understand how nephrologists think about the decision to biopsy patients with longstanding CKD and small kidneys.
Thank you for your time.