For more than a generation haemodialysis has been the principal method of treating patients with both acute and chronic renal failure. Initially, developments and improvements in the system were highly technical and relevant to only a relatively small number of specialists in nephrology. More recently, as advances in therapy have dem onstrated the value of haemofiltration in the intensive therapy unit and haemoperfusion for certain types of poisoning, the basic principles of haemodialysis have been perceived as important in many areas of clinical practice. In this volume, the potential advantages of bicarbonate haemo dialysis are objectively assessed, the technical and clinical aspects of both haemofiltration and haemoperfusion discussed and the con tinuing problems associated with such extra corporeal circuits analysed. All the chapters have been written by recognized experts in their field. The increasing availability of highly technical facilities for appropriately selected patients should ensure that the information contained in the book is relevant not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. ABOUT THE EDITOR Dr Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current inter est in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hospital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies including the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an invaluable tool in the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease, which does not preclude a renal transplant, but incurs lower costs than other treatment options and represents an alternative when the vascular access is not feasible. Moreover, PD can be integrated in the armamentarium of different therapies and constitutes an important option when logistical or organizational problems are present. The publication on hand gives an account of the most recent studies on PD outcome and adequacy, exploring how different fluids, schedules and techniques may help to determine the most tolerated and effective dialysis for each patient. Novel systems including continuous flow PD are probing new limits of efficiency and performance. Biocompatibility and adequate correction of anemia are also among the issues discussed in this book, giving the reader the opportunity to refresh or expand his knowledge in the field. This publication definitely deserves a place on the desk of those who are engaged in the day-by-day activity of PD.

While continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been the standard peritoneal procedure since the seventies, different schedules of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) have emerged during the eighties. Today, APD is considered a valuable tool in the management of ESRD patients, together with CAPD and hemodialysis. However, despite its frequent use, APD has not yet been well assessed, and most pathophysiological and clinical studies on PD refer to CAPD. In this book, major experts in the field therefore discuss and evaluate the insights gained on APD up to now, presenting a comprehensive review of all experimental, technical and clinical aspects related to the various treatments grouped under the definition of APD. The recent developments presented are divided into four sections: membrane permeability, transport mechanisms and kinetic modeling applied to APD; prescription and adequacy of different APD treatment schedules; dialysis machines and solutions for APD, and, lastly, different clinical aspects such as the possibility to maintain APD program and residual renal function. Physicians involved in ESRD care, renal fellows and scientists both in the academic world and in the hospital setting will undoubtedly profit from this timely publication.

Handbook of Peritoneal DialysisSecond EditionSteven Guest M.D. This book is a guide to the clinical practice of Peritoneal Dialysis. Chapters provide the core curriculum for expertise in PD therapy and address relevant clinical challenges faced by caregivers. Contained in this Handbook:Peritoneal Membrane Physiology,PET, Modified PET, DATT,Acute and Chronic PD Prescription,Catheters and Placement Techniques,PD Solutions,Infectious and Non-infectious Complications,Fluid Management in PD,PD in the Diabetic and Morbidly Obese Patient,Nutritional and Metabolic Issues in PD,Survival in the PD Population,Setting Up a PD Program / Infrastructure.

Even though peritoneal dialysis (PD) is by now well established and its advantages in terms of clinical efficacy, social impact and individual tolerance are acknowledged, it is still underutilized on a global scale. In view of this fact, the publication at hand has two objectives, namely to provide help to identify possible obstacles to a wider application of PD and to advance a project called USS PD: Understanding, Starting and Sustaining Peritoneal Dialysis (initiated by the Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation of the St. Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, Italy).The initial part of this book is thus dedicated to basic principles of PD, as understanding how this technique works is one of the prerequisites to improve the quality of its application and, ultimately, its outcomes. In the second part, in-depth reviews help the physician to identify the benefits and problems involved in a PD program, facilitating the initiation of a new program or the start of new patients on PD. The third part, finally, is dedicated to potential complications and technical solutions designed to solve the problems of the different techniques. This helps physicians to sustain the use of PD after having acquired the know how and the capacity of starting the program. Everyone interested in understanding and implementing PD will highly profit from the papers presented in this publication.

A comprehensive reference covering all aspects of the clinical management of adult and child dialysis patients. This edition includes seven new chapters including one on EPO use in dialysis patients and one on the HIV positive patient.

The importance of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the therapy of chronic kidney disease has been steadily increasing. The simultaneous advancement in clinical practice and basic research has increased overall knowledge and led to significant progress in the safe and adequate application of PD. Moreover, integration with other techniques in the therapy of uremia represents an important step in the optimization of the whole program of renal replacement therapy.Leading experts in the field have contributed to this volume, discussing topics such as the biology of the peritoneal membrane, dialysis solutions, inflammation and nutrition, PD adequacy, or complications and their management or PD in special settings. This compilation updates and expands the information on PD published in previous volumes of the series 'Contributions to Nephrology'. It represents an important source of information for beginners and experts, basic scientists and clinical physicians, students and investigators who want to have a true update on current research and clinical practice in peritoneal dialysis.