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 distressing symptoms can often be
ameliorated by judicious medical treatment. Children as well as, and
perhaps to a greater extent than, adults may benefit from such therapy.
This volume examines relevant trends in the conservative man- agement of
both adults and children with chronic renal failure. Each chapter has
been written by recognized experts and provides infor- mation of
clinical relevance for the average clinician. As the overall prognosis
for patients with end-stage renal failure improves it is clear the
management of patients with relatively stable chronic renal failure is
an important topic not only for nephrologists but for all practising
clinicians.