For the last two decades, the topic of chronic renal failure has been dominated by discussions on dialysis and transplantation. As facilities for treating patients with end-stage renal failure have become more readily available, at least in Europe and North America, attention has once again been drawn to conservative measures which may improve both the overall prognosis and the quality of life of patients with renal impairment. Although severe renal failure may be progressive and many patients will ultimately require some form of renal replacement therapy, it is now widely appreciated that...

Almost every practising doctor will admit to difficulty in knowing how best to investigate, treat and advise the pregnant patient with renal problems. These doubts and difficulties may be exacerbated if the patient seeks pre-pregnancy advice - would a possible pregnancy cause a deterioration in renal function, what are the risks of the pregnancy for mother and baby? As the general public become more informed on medical matters these questions are being asked more frequently and doctors must be prepared to offer advice which is based on detailed factual knowledge. This book examines some of...

During the last decade facilities for treating patients with end-stage renal failure have expanded in all Westernized countries. Partly as a consequence, interest has been stimulated in many multisystem dis eases which may progress to chronic renal failure. Some of these diseases such as diabetes mellitus are common but still have con troversial aspects to their investigation and management. Others such as lupus nephritis are relatively rare but respond well to recent advances in therapy. In addition to diabetes mellitus and lupus nephritis this volume has chapters on multiple myeloma and...

Renal stone disease remains a common clinical problem. Patients m a y attend either medical or surgical clinics and n o t infrequently present as acute abdominal emergencies to general practitioners, physicians, surgeons and even gynaecologists. Recent urinary calculi continue to cause considerable morbidity despite the recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the different types of stones involved and despite improvements in t reatment- by appropriate drug therapy, by ultrasound techniques and by lithotripsy. This volume discusses the investigation and management o f...

Glomerulonephritis has always been regarded as a complex subject. Different forms o f the disease c a n cause death in a matter o f weeks, nephrotic syndrome which might or might not prove responsive to steroid therapy, or no symptoms a t all. Improved pathological te- niques and criteria have permitted a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis to be established for many patients. With increased und- standing of the immunological mechanisms involved it has become apparent that many patients presenting with a variety of symptoms and signs m a y have glomerulonephritis as their primary...

In recent years both doctors and patients have become increasingly aware that many essential drugs may induce unfortunate side-effects in susceptible individuals. The kidney is the principal route of excretion for many of these substances and may as a result become involved in pathological processes. Developments in haemodialysis and haemo perfusion may be of value in increasing the rate of excretion of potentially toxic substances but it is essential that the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are fully appreciated by all with an interest in clinical practice. This book details...