INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) represent distinct pathological and clinical entities with known chronicity and recurrence. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose TMA in patients with renal manifestations but the prognostic significance of acute or chronic phase of the disease has not been well studied. We examined the clinical characteristics, management, and predictors of acute vs. chronic TMA among native and transplants.

METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study of 22-year period at the Johns Hopkins hospital. Prevalence of acute vs. chronic TMA were based on specific histology identified on native and allografts kidney biopsies. Predictors of acute and chronic TMA were assessed using simple linear regression and odd ratios.

RESULTS: Among 127 patients, 29 (23%) had chronic TMA and 98 (77%) had acute TMA, with 60% female and 43 ±18 years of age. Chronic TMA was significantly associated with a history of lupus or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and the use of clopidogrel or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). Specifically, chronic TMA was significantly associated with use of mTORi in native kidneys. The odds of chronic TMA compared to acute TMA were lower for each race (Caucasians, 76%; Blacks, 38%; Hispanics and Asians, 22%).

CONCLUSIONS: A kidney biopsy may not necessarily be needed to determine the presence of chronic TMA, since certain predictors, as those demonstrated by our study (use of mTORi and history of lupus or HUS), independently predicted higher odds of developing chronic TMA and its sequelae conditions.