Clinicopathological Characteristics and Long-Term Kidney Outcomes in Biopsy-Proven Renal Sarcoidosis.

KEY POINTS: Preexisting CKD, elevated serum creatinine, and severe interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were linked to poor renal prognosis in renal sarcoidosis. Steroid therapy was strongly associated with renal recovery and improved long-term outcomes in renal sarcoidosis. Early detection and management of renal involvement in sarcoidosis are critical to preventing irreversible kidney damage.

BACKGROUND

Renal sarcoidosis (RS) is a rare but potentially severe manifestation of sarcoidosis, primarily affecting the kidneys through granulomatous interstitial nephritis and calcium metabolic disturbances. This study evaluates the clinicopathologic features and renal outcomes of biopsy-proven RS, focusing on identifying predictors of renal recovery and disease progression.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 43 biopsy-proven RS at Mayo Clinic (2012–2024). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic data were analyzed. Renal recovery within 6 months was classified as complete, partial, or no recovery based on serum creatinine (sCr) changes. Long-term adverse composite outcomes included the CKD onset, CKD progression, ESKD, dialysis initiation, or death. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess predictors of renal outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the cohort, 84% exhibited interstitial nephritis, with granulomatous interstitial nephritis in 33%. Calcium phosphate deposits were found in 58% of cases. Hypercalciuria (90%) was more common than hypercalcemia (74%). Within 6 months, 86% achieved recovery (74% complete, 12% partial), while 40% experienced long-term adverse composite outcomes. Higher sCr at biopsy (≥2.4 mg/dl) and moderate-to-severe interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were associated with reduced complete recovery and worse long-term outcomes, while preexisting CKD significantly increased the risk of adverse long-term outcomes. Steroid therapy significantly increased the likelihood of complete recovery and reduced the risk of adverse long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Preexisting CKD, elevated sCr at biopsy, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, and steroid therapy are key predictors of renal outcomes in RS. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to preventing irreversible kidney damage.