Final answer:
After a kidney or liver biopsy, patients should watch for symptoms like persistent pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or signs of infection, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Monitoring liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase levels helps identify other conditions and the severity of hemolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the safety and considerations of kidney and liver biopsies, it's essential to be aware of several potential complications. A liver biopsy can be indicated for various conditions, such as Wilson's disease, obstructive jaundice, hepatocellular damage, and conditions leading to severe hypo-proteine-mia. In these cases, monitoring liver enzymes is important to exclude other causes of jaundice. Similarly, the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase could be elevated in hemolytic conditions and serves as a marker of its severity. Furthermore, when Kerry developed rashes after sun exposure, her physician initiated tests like urinalysis and blood tests, which showed signs consistent with hemolytic anemia. This led to the suspicion of an autoimmune disorder, prompting a referral to a rheumatologist for a definitive diagnosis.
After a biopsy, whether it be of the liver or kidney, patients should be alert to symptoms such as persisting or worsening pain at the site, excessive bleeding, fever, or signs of infection. In cases of liver biopsy, particular attention should be paid to symptoms that suggest possible bleeding complications or bile leakage. In kidney biopsies, it is crucial to look out for blood in the urine or changes in urine output. Any concerning symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.