On-line HDF represents a major technical development in the delivery of hemodialysis therapy: It combines the properties of increased diffusion available in current high-flux membranes with convective removal of between 6 and 30 liters per treatment and requires the use of ultrapure water and online filtration of replacement fluid. On-line HDF has been successfully introduced in Europe and Asia and is routinely prescribed for dialysis patients in these regions.The book at hand summarizes the history and achievements of on-line HDF in four parts: A report of the technological development in both machine and fiber/dialyzer is followed by a description of the challenges encountered in the evolution of on-line HDF, collecting the accounts of clinical key opinion leaders who had been involved in its early application. The third part presents a comprehensive review of the clinical results achieved with on-line HDF from its inception to the present times, in which it represents the clinical golden standard. The fourth and final part is dedicated to on-line HDF as a ‘vision’ for the future.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide, with currently over 150 million HCV-infected people on the five continents. Although there have been important advances in the diagnosis, prevention and therapy, the infection remains an important health problem in most countries.HCV infection is considered a systemic disease: Not only does it affect the liver, it can induce autoimmune, dermatological and renal disease. Moreover, soon after the discovery of HCV as the major cause of non-A non-B hepatitis, HCV infection was recognized as an important cause and consequence of chronic kidney disease. The publication at hand is an update on the most important topics concerning HCV infection, renal disease and problems with dialysis in the general population as well as in renal transplant patients. Also included is a chapter on the emerging problem of renal complications associated with HCV virus in patients with HIV infection.Containing contributions from a panel of internationally acclaimed experts, this publication is a timely update on HCV infection and the kidney.

Presenting the latest advances in research and clinical care Despite the various advantages of home dialysis compared to in- center hemodialysis, only a fraction of patients in Japan currently opt for peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis. However, considerable advances in research and technical improvements have been made lately, advancing the practice of home dialysis therapy in Japan. Japanese research is well-known for its ingenuity and creative energy with regard to the development of new machines and systems for dialysis. New insights regarding peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis are presented in the publication at hand: Contributions by leading Japanese experts discuss topics such as educational methods, techniques, tools, novel systems and organization of patients. The book will be of great interest to clinical physicians involved in dialysis care; Moreover, the expertise collected in this volume may contribute to the advancement of home dialysis therapy in a global context.

This publication contains the most recent findings in the field as presented by the outstanding faculty of the 2012 International Vicenza Course on Peritoneal Dialysis. After 30 years, this course is still one of the main educational events in the field of peritoneal dialysis as well as other disciplines including CKD, hemodialysis and critical care nephrology. The publication of the book in time for the course represents another success of the Vicenza team. The experts of the world and the related industry met in Vicenza for this important anniversary which is celebrated by this book representing not only a milestone in the history of the Department of Nephrology and the International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza, but also and above all an extraordinary educational tool for all physicians and nurses interested in peritoneal dialysis today.

A concise handbook on clinical and technical possibilities The application of hemodiafiltration has been restricted until recently, when a broader clinical application has been made possible due to evidence from large studies and clinical investigations. This book provides an updated review of the evolution, advances and recent results achieved by hemodiafiltration in the clinical arena. The first part is devoted to historical notes and an outline of the evolution of different forms of hemodiafiltration, made possible by technological developments in the fields of membranes, machines and fluids. The next section describes the theoretical rationale for hemodiafiltration, providing a detailed analysis of the involved mass separation processes, the hydraulic properties of the dialyzers, fluid mechanics and crossfiltration in hollow fiber hemodialyzers. An outline of different hemodiafiltration techniques, also reporting peculiar transport mechanisms and related technology, is given next, and a section on the clinical effects of hemodiafiltration concludes this book. Including different technologies, the publication offers a complete overview of the technical and clinical possibilities provided by hemodiafiltration in its widest concept, ranging from the molecular basis to the most practical application. It will be a valuable tool for the implementation of hemodiafiltration in daily practice aimed at beginners and experts, scientists and physicians, students and senior faculty members alike.

Oxygen-Ozone therapy is a complementary approach less known than homeopathy and acupuncture because it has come of age only three decades ago. This book clarifies that, in the often nebulous field of natural medicine, the biological bases of ozone therapy are totally in line with classical biochemistry, physiological and pharmacological knowledge. Ozone is an oxidizing molecule, a sort of super active oxygen, which, by reacting with blood components generates a number of chemical messengers responsible for activating crucial biological functions such as oxygen delivery, immune activation, release of hormones and induction of antioxidant enzymes, which is an exceptional property for correcting the chronic oxidative stress present in atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. Moreover, by inducing nitric oxide synthase, ozone therapy may mobilize endogenous stem cells, which will promote regeneration of ischemic tissues. The description of these phenomena offers the first comprehensive picture for understanding how ozone works and why. When properly used as a real drug within therapeutic range, ozone therapy does not only does not procure adverse effects but yields a feeling of wellness. Half the book describes the value of ozone treatment in several diseases, particularly cutanious infection and vascular diseases where ozone really behaves as a “wonder drug”. The book has been written for clinical researchers, physicians and ozone therapists, but also for the layman or the patient interested in this therapy.

This book presents contributions from leading international experts in the field of nephrology. Each chapter is independent and discusses nephrology in the author’s country, including the history of nephrology development, kidney disease epidemiology, clinical nephrology, dialysis practice in acute and chronic renal failure settings (hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, peritoneal dialysis), pediatric nephrology, and kidney transplantation. In addition, the book covers topics such as the job market for nephrologists, reimbursement, nephrology education, and the number of professionals in the private and public sectors. With 53 chapters and more than 300 authors from all continents offering a unique perspective on nephrology practice, it provides a much-needed information source for nephrologists around the globe. The reader will be able to travel through “Nephrology Worldwide”, a pleasant reading experience with not only relevant information and updated data, but also a comprehensive look at the history, countries’ peculiarities, and a critical analysis of the scenario of nephrology and renal replacement therapy. A valuable resource for healthcare professionals and other stakeholders interested in learning about the status quo of Nephrology Worldwide. “Both the failings and the successes are outlined in a way that should make this book a compelling read, not just for the well-informed renal physician, but also for planners and policy makers whose thinking and actions are integral to the way we practice medicine.” - Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe, Nephrologist and 2019 Nobel Prize Winner More information on the Nephrology Worldwide initiative can be found at www.nephrologyworldwide.com.