The here presented book covers different areas of clinical and scientific interest, reaching from donor evaluation to newest methods in immunological diagnostics. But also aspects of daily care of transplant recipients can be found in the carefully selected chapters. Everything driven by the aim to improve the care for all of our transplanted patients.

Advances in immunosuppression and kidney transplant techniques have led to significant improvements in the short-term survival of the renal allograft. Long-term graft survival, however, has relatively lagged behind and has now become one of the main problems in kidney transplantation. In this Special Issue, we discuss the recent research developments in kidney transplants that may affect long-term allografts, as well as the survival of the patient. The latest developments in living kidney donation are also explored.

This book provides an overview of technical aspects in treatment of hemodialysis patients. Authors have contributed their most interesting findings in dealing with hemodialysis from the aspect of the tools and techniques used.Each chapter has been thoroughly revised and updated so the readers are acquainted with the latest data and observations in the area, where several aspects are to be considered. The book is comprehensive and not limited to a partial discussion of hemodialysis. To accomplish this we are pleased to have been able to summarize state of the art knowledge in each chapter of the book.

This popular handbook is a practical guide for physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other professionals who manage kidney transplant patients. It is concise, readable, and well-illustrated. Chapters outline the major concerns surrounding renal transplantation and the most successful approaches to problems arising in short-term and long-term patient care. Chapter topics include immunobiology and immunosuppression, as well as chapters on surgery, histocompatibility, and the first three months post-transplant surgery. This thoroughly updated Fifth Edition includes new information on options for patients with end-stage renal disease, immunosuppressive medications and protocols for kidney transplantation, and the first two months following transplant.

Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide disease affecting up to 4% of the population. In many cases, glomerulonephritis is the underlying disease leading to kidney failure. One hallmark of glomerulonephritis is proteinuria, which may in its most severe form lead to nephrotic syndrome. In seven chapters, this book puts light on different aspects related to the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of glomerulonephritis. In addition, chapters dealing with the importance of biomarkers in patients with glomerulonephritis will be beneficial for the open-minded reader. Nevertheless, new insights in renal rehabilitation in patients with chronic kidney disease will be provided.

Known worldwide, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that affects up to 4% of the population with increasing figures also in the developing countries. Life expectancy of patients affected by CKD is shortened compared to the overall population, and only a minority of patients reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with the need for dialysis or renal transplantation; death overtakes dialysis. In the 13 chapters, this book sheds light on the different aspects related to pathophysiology and clinical aspects of CKD, providing interesting insights into not only inflammation and cardiovascular risk but also the interplay of hormones and the functional aspects of endothelial function. In addition, chapters dealing with genetic aspects of polycystic kidney disease and also the clinical handling of patients with CKD and peritoneal dialysis will be beneficial for the open-minded reader.

Rates of organ donation lag far behind the increasing need. At the start of 2006, more than 90,000 people were waiting to receive a solid organ (kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, heart, or intestine). Organ Donation examines a wide range of proposals to increase organ donation, including policies that presume consent for donation as well as the use of financial incentives such as direct payments, coverage of funeral expenses, and charitable contributions. This book urges federal agencies, nonprofit groups, and others to boost opportunities for people to record their decisions to donate, strengthen efforts to educate the public about the benefits of organ donation, and continue to improve donation systems. Organ Donation also supports initiatives to increase donations from people whose deaths are the result of irreversible cardiac failure. This book emphasizes that all members of society have a stake in an adequate supply of organs for patients in need, because each individual is a potential recipient as well as a potential donor.