This volume updates you on the most important recent advances in renal diseases and informs you about the management of patients with renal damage in your clinical practice. This reader-friendly guide offers expert advice on the use of sophisticated diagnostic techniques for the management of many different syndromes and manifestations of renal diseases. "Nephrology" also reports new advances in renal replacement therapy for patients with chronic renal insufficiency since general practitioners, family physicians, and internists currently see uremic patients in their clinical practice. Specific attention is given to drug therapy and emergencies in nephrology, aiding clinicians in their care of renal patients. The five major consulting editors represent an eclectic mix of investigative and clinical nephrologists from six different nations in Western Europe. The volume itself is equally eclectic, in the best sense of the word. The chapters in the book have been written by a series of international authorities from virtually all parts of the world. The book itself is remarkably global in scope, covering all fields of nephrology.