G.R. Catto – författare

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.

Almost every practising doctor will admit to difficulty in knowing how best to investigate, treat and advise the pregnant patient with renal problems. These doubts and difficulties may be exacerbated if the patient seeks pre-pregnancy advice - would a possible pregnancy cause a deterioration in renal function, what are the risks of the pregnancy for mother and baby? As the general public become more informed on medical matters these questions are being asked more frequently and doctors must be prepared to offer advice which is based on detailed factual knowledge. This book examines some of these increasingly common clinical problems. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides the type of specific information now expected by discerning patients. The advances in treatment of the last decade clearly indicate that a knowledge of pregnancy and renal disorders is essential for doctors in many branches of medical practice.

During the last decade facilities for treating patients with end-stage renal failure have expanded in all Westernized countries. Partly as a consequence, interest has been stimulated in many multisystem dis- eases which may progress to chronic renal failure. Some of these diseases such as diabetes mellitus are common but still have con- troversial aspects to their investigation and management. Others such as lupus nephritis are relatively rare but respond well to recent advances in therapy. In addition to diabetes mellitus and lupus nephritis this volume has chapters on multiple myeloma and Henoch-Schonlein purpura. All the chapters have been written by ackl10wiedged experts who have emphasized the practical aspects of patient management. The infor- mation contained in this volume should thus prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera- peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Physician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board.His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos- pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ- ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab- olism and general nephrology.

Renal stone disease remains a common clinical problem. Patients m a y attend either medical or surgical clinics and n o t infrequently present as acute abdominal emergencies to general practitioners, physicians, surgeons and even gynaecologists. Recent urinary calculi continue to cause considerable morbidity despite the recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the different types of stones involved and despite improvements in t reatment- by appropriate drug therapy, by ultrasound techniques and by lithotripsy. This volume discusses the investigation and management o f patients with calculus disease. Each chapterhas been written by a n experienced clinician and provides information of considerable relevance and importance for all doctors engaged in clinical practice. The technical developments o f the last few years have clearly demonstrated that renal stone disease, even when recurrent, should be an uncommon cause of chronic renal failure. Knowledge o f the recent developments in this field is important for all practising doctors and even more important for their patients.

Glomerulonephritis has always been regarded as a complex subject. Different forms o f the disease c a n cause death in a matter o f weeks, nephrotic syndrome which might or might not prove responsive to steroid therapy, or no symptoms a t all. Improved pathological te- niques and criteria have permitted a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis to be established for many patients. With increased und- standing of the immunological mechanisms involved it has become apparent that many patients presenting with a variety of symptoms and signs m a y have glomerulonephritis as their primary pathological process. This book examines the clinical, pathological and aetiological factors involved in the common forms o f glomerulonephritis. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical importance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emp- sized that glomerulonephritis is no longer a matter only for the nephrologist but a subject o n which all clinicians should be well informed.

In recent years both doctors and patients have become increasingly aware that many essential drugs may induce unfortunate side-effects in susceptible individuals. The kidney is the principal route of excretion for many of these substances and may as a result become involved in pathological processes. Developments in haemodialysis and haemo­ perfusion may be of value in increasing the rate of excretion of potentially toxic substances but it is essential that the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are fully appreciated by all with an interest in clinical practice. This book details the recent advances in understanding of analgesic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, elimination of poisons and drug monitoring. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical import­ ance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emphasized that drug toxicity is a subject on which all clinicians, but perhaps especially nephrologists, should be fully informed. ABOUT TH E EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera­ peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy­ sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medicial 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.

Urinary tract infection remains one of the most common reasons for an individual seeking medical advice. Although the associated morbidity varies widely in adults, such infections are less common but may constitute severe, life-threatening illness in children and in the elderly. Diagnostic tests and treatment have been rationalized in recent years but many practising doctors still have difficulty in appreciating the patho-physiological principles involved. Particular difficulty is often experienced when treating patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, covert bacteriuria, vesico-ureteric reflux, elderly patients and those with indwelling catheters. These topics are fully discussed in this volume. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert and practical aspects of patient management have been emphasized. The information presented in this volume should prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera­ peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy­ sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos­ pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ­ ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab­ olism and general nephrology.

Renal transplantation is now accepted as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal failure. During the last decade both patients and graft survival rates have increased significantly and when assessed at one year are now greater than 90% and 80% respectively. These marked improvements have occurred at a time when increasing numbers of patients in the older age groups and with more complex forms of renal disease are being accepted for transplantation. The reasons for the improved clinical results are not fully understood but are probably linked with changes in blood transfusion policy, tissue typing policy and drug therapy. These topics, together with immunological monitoring and details of how to treat the highly sensitized patient, are fully covered in this volume. All the chapters have been written by recognized experts in their field. Not only are the recent advances well documented but the likely future developments in management are identified and discussed. As renal transplantation is now the single most common of treatment for renal failure, the information presented in this form volume should prove of value to all with an interest in current clinical practice.

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 haemoperfusion for certain types of poisoning, the basic principles ofhaemodialysis 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 extracorporeal 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.

During the last few years, renal hypertension has become a subject of increasing importance. The development of improved radiological techniques, notably intravenous and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, has made the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis more reliable, while advances in vascular surgery and the introduction of percutaneous trans luminal angioplasty have caused major changes in clinical practice. The increasing use of such potent antihypertensive agents as the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors has empha­ sized the problem of renal artery stenosis in older patients with wide­ spread vascular disease as well as improving the prognosis of patients with accelerated hypertension. This book examines the surgical and medical aspects of renal hyper­ tension in the light of these recent advances. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical importance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emphasized that renal hyper­ tension is no longer a matter only for the nephrologist but a subject on which all clinicians should be well informed.

Glomerulonephritis has always been regarded as a complex subject. Different forms o f the disease c a n cause death in a matter o f weeks, nephrotic syndrome which might or might not prove responsive to steroid therapy, or no symptoms a t all. Improved pathological te- niques and criteria have permitted a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis to be established for many patients. With increased und- standing of the immunological mechanisms involved it has become apparent that many patients presenting with a variety of symptoms and signs m a y have glomerulonephritis as their primary pathological process. This book examines the clinical, pathological and aetiological factors involved in the common forms o f glomerulonephritis. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical importance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emp- sized that glomerulonephritis is no longer a matter only for the nephrologist but a subject o n which all clinicians should be well informed.

In recent years both doctors and patients have become increasingly aware that many essential drugs may induce unfortunate side-effects in susceptible individuals. The kidney is the principal route of excretion for many of these substances and may as a result become involved in pathological processes. Developments in haemodialysis and haemo­ perfusion may be of value in increasing the rate of excretion of potentially toxic substances but it is essential that the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are fully appreciated by all with an interest in clinical practice. This book details the recent advances in understanding of analgesic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, elimination of poisons and drug monitoring. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical import­ ance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emphasized that drug toxicity is a subject on which all clinicians, but perhaps especially nephrologists, should be fully informed. ABOUT TH E EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera­ peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy­ sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medicial 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.

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.

Almost every practising doctor will admit to difficulty in knowing how best to investigate, treat and advise the pregnant patient with renal problems. These doubts and difficulties may be exacerbated if the patient seeks pre-pregnancy advice - would a possible pregnancy cause a deterioration in renal function, what are the risks of the pregnancy for mother and baby? As the general public become more informed on medical matters these questions are being asked more frequently and doctors must be prepared to offer advice which is based on detailed factual knowledge. This book examines some of these increasingly common clinical problems. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides the type of specific information now expected by discerning patients. The advances in treatment of the last decade clearly indicate that a knowledge of pregnancy and renal disorders is essential for doctors in many branches of medical practice.

Renal stone disease remains a common clinical problem. Patients m a y attend either medical or surgical clinics and n o t infrequently present as acute abdominal emergencies to general practitioners, physicians, surgeons and even gynaecologists. Recent urinary calculi continue to cause considerable morbidity despite the recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the different types of stones involved and despite improvements in t reatment- by appropriate drug therapy, by ultrasound techniques and by lithotripsy. This volume discusses the investigation and management o f patients with calculus disease. Each chapterhas been written by a n experienced clinician and provides information of considerable relevance and importance for all doctors engaged in clinical practice. The technical developments o f the last few years have clearly demonstrated that renal stone disease, even when recurrent, should be an uncommon cause of chronic renal failure. Knowledge o f the recent developments in this field is important for all practising doctors and even more important for their patients.

This volume has been written specifically for the practising clinician. All aspects of clinical transplantation have expanded enormously in recent years, but many of the doctors involved have received little or no tuition in immunology as medical students. The various chapters, written by physicians, surgeons, pathologists and immunologists present many of the currently important issues in transplantation and demonstrate that a basic undertaking of immunology is now essential in many areas of clinical practice. Perhaps this book will not only produce an increasing awareness of immunological technique but also and, more importantly, stimulate an abiding interest in this clinically relevant topic. Graeme R. Catto Aberdeen Royal Infirmary vii Series Editor''s Note The modern clinician is expected to be the fount of all wisdom concerning conventional diagnosis and management relevant to his sphere of practice. In addition, he or she has the daunting task of comprehending and keeping pace with advances in basic science relevant to the pathogenesis of disease and ways in which these processes can be regulated or prevented. Immunology has grown from the era of antitoxins and serum sickness to a state where the study of many diverse cells and molecules has become integrated into a coherent scientific discipline with major implications for many common and crippling diseases prevalent throughout the world.

Urinary tract infection remains one of the most common reasons for an individual seeking medical advice. Although the associated morbidity varies widely in adults, such infections are less common but may constitute severe, life-threatening illness in children and in the elderly. Diagnostic tests and treatment have been rationalized in recent years but many practising doctors still have difficulty in appreciating the patho-physiological principles involved. Particular difficulty is often experienced when treating patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, covert bacteriuria, vesico-ureteric reflux, elderly patients and those with indwelling catheters. These topics are fully discussed in this volume. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert and practical aspects of patient management have been emphasized. The information presented in this volume should prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera­ peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy­ sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos­ pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ­ ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab­ olism and general nephrology.

Renal transplantation is now accepted as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal failure. During the last decade both patients and graft survival rates have increased significantly and when assessed at one year are now greater than 90% and 80% respectively. These marked improvements have occurred at a time when increasing numbers of patients in the older age groups and with more complex forms of renal disease are being accepted for transplantation. The reasons for the improved clinical results are not fully understood but are probably linked with changes in blood transfusion policy, tissue typing policy and drug therapy. These topics, together with immunological monitoring and details of how to treat the highly sensitized patient, are fully covered in this volume. All the chapters have been written by recognized experts in their field. Not only are the recent advances well documented but the likely future developments in management are identified and discussed. As renal transplantation is now the single most common of treatment for renal failure, the information presented in this form volume should prove of value to all with an interest in current clinical practice.

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 haemoperfusion for certain types of poisoning, the basic principles ofhaemodialysis 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 extracorporeal 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.

During the last few years, renal hypertension has become a subject of increasing importance. The development of improved radiological techniques, notably intravenous and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, has made the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis more reliable, while advances in vascular surgery and the introduction of percutaneous trans luminal angioplasty have caused major changes in clinical practice. The increasing use of such potent antihypertensive agents as the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors has empha­ sized the problem of renal artery stenosis in older patients with wide­ spread vascular disease as well as improving the prognosis of patients with accelerated hypertension. This book examines the surgical and medical aspects of renal hyper­ tension in the light of these recent advances. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical importance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emphasized that renal hyper­ tension is no longer a matter only for the nephrologist but a subject on which all clinicians should be well informed.

During the last decade facilities for treating patients with end-stage renal failure have expanded in all Westernized countries. Partly as a consequence, interest has been stimulated in many multisystem dis- eases which may progress to chronic renal failure. Some of these diseases such as diabetes mellitus are common but still have con- troversial aspects to their investigation and management. Others such as lupus nephritis are relatively rare but respond well to recent advances in therapy. In addition to diabetes mellitus and lupus nephritis this volume has chapters on multiple myeloma and Henoch-Schonlein purpura. All the chapters have been written by ackl10wiedged experts who have emphasized the practical aspects of patient management. The infor- mation contained in this volume should thus prove of interest not only to nephrologists but to all practising clinicians. VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera- peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Physician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board.His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School and the Peter Bent Brighton Hos- pital, Boston, USA. He is a member of many medical societies includ- ing the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland, the Renal Association and the Transplantation Society. He has published widely on transplant and reproductive immunology, calcium metab- olism and general nephrology.

Glomerulonephritis has always been regarded as a complex subject. Different forms o f the disease c a n cause death in a matter o f weeks, nephrotic syndrome which might or might not prove responsive to steroid therapy, or no symptoms a t all. Improved pathological te- niques and criteria have permitted a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis to be established for many patients. With increased und- standing of the immunological mechanisms involved it has become apparent that many patients presenting with a variety of symptoms and signs m a y have glomerulonephritis as their primary pathological process. This book examines the clinical, pathological and aetiological factors involved in the common forms o f glomerulonephritis. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical importance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emp- sized that glomerulonephritis is no longer a matter only for the nephrologist but a subject o n which all clinicians should be well informed.

In recent years both doctors and patients have become increasingly aware that many essential drugs may induce unfortunate side-effects in susceptible individuals. The kidney is the principal route of excretion for many of these substances and may as a result become involved in pathological processes. Developments in haemodialysis and haemo­ perfusion may be of value in increasing the rate of excretion of potentially toxic substances but it is essential that the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are fully appreciated by all with an interest in clinical practice. This book details the recent advances in understanding of analgesic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, elimination of poisons and drug monitoring. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides information of relevance and practical import­ ance to the average clinician. The developments of the last decade have emphasized that drug toxicity is a subject on which all clinicians, but perhaps especially nephrologists, should be fully informed. ABOUT TH E EDITOR Professor Graeme R. D. Catto is Professor in Medicine and Thera­ peutics at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Phy­ sician/Nephrologist to the Grampian Health Board. His current interest in transplant immunology was stimulated as a Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medicial 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.

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.

Almost every practising doctor will admit to difficulty in knowing how best to investigate, treat and advise the pregnant patient with renal problems. These doubts and difficulties may be exacerbated if the patient seeks pre-pregnancy advice - would a possible pregnancy cause a deterioration in renal function, what are the risks of the pregnancy for mother and baby? As the general public become more informed on medical matters these questions are being asked more frequently and doctors must be prepared to offer advice which is based on detailed factual knowledge. This book examines some of these increasingly common clinical problems. Each chapter has been written by a recognized expert in the field and provides the type of specific information now expected by discerning patients. The advances in treatment of the last decade clearly indicate that a knowledge of pregnancy and renal disorders is essential for doctors in many branches of medical practice.

Renal stone disease remains a common clinical problem. Patients m a y attend either medical or surgical clinics and n o t infrequently present as acute abdominal emergencies to general practitioners, physicians, surgeons and even gynaecologists. Recent urinary calculi continue to cause considerable morbidity despite the recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the different types of stones involved and despite improvements in t reatment- by appropriate drug therapy, by ultrasound techniques and by lithotripsy. This volume discusses the investigation and management o f patients with calculus disease. Each chapterhas been written by a n experienced clinician and provides information of considerable relevance and importance for all doctors engaged in clinical practice. The technical developments o f the last few years have clearly demonstrated that renal stone disease, even when recurrent, should be an uncommon cause of chronic renal failure. Knowledge o f the recent developments in this field is important for all practising doctors and even more important for their patients.

This volume has been written specifically for the practising clinician. All aspects of clinical transplantation have expanded enormously in recent years, but many of the doctors involved have received little or no tuition in immunology as medical students. The various chapters, written by physicians, surgeons, pathologists and immunologists present many of the currently important issues in transplantation and demonstrate that a basic undertaking of immunology is now essential in many areas of clinical practice. Perhaps this book will not only produce an increasing awareness of immunological technique but also and, more importantly, stimulate an abiding interest in this clinically relevant topic. Graeme R. Catto Aberdeen Royal Infirmary vii Series Editor's Note The modern clinician is expected to be the fount of all wisdom concerning conventional diagnosis and management relevant to his sphere of practice. In addition, he or she has the daunting task of comprehending and keeping pace with advances in basic science relevant to the pathogenesis of disease and ways in which these processes can be regulated or prevented. Immunology has grown from the era of antitoxins and serum sickness to a state where the study of many diverse cells and molecules has become integrated into a coherent scientific discipline with major implications for many common and crippling diseases prevalent throughout the world.

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.