Author Description

Reprint Blood Purification 2001, Vol. 19, No. 2 In this timely publication, various topics related to ESRD are discussed, including vascular disease and atherosclerosis in uremia, outcomes of hemodialysis patients in different countries, malnutrition as well as oxidative stress and chronic inflammation as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the opportunity of using peritoneal dialysis as a first treatment modality for ESRD is debated, together with the benefits which may be achieved with daily dialysis. Further topics include the most advanced techniques for electrolyte monitoring and profiling in hemodialysis as well as the treatment of acute renal failure, describing the new acute dialysis quality initiative. Another important part of this publication is a controversy on whether hemoglobin levels in pre-ESRD and hemodialysis patients should be normalized or not, followed by a discussion of the potential long-term benefits of a new technology coupling hemoperfusion with hemodialysis, utilizing a new sorbent device. A definition of the real utility of these technologies in daily clinical practice and whether they are economically more affordable with present reimbursement policies rounds off the presentations. Being the second volume in this series (see also the volumes for the years 2000, 2002 and 2003), this book is intended to serve as a syllabus for conferences as well as an educational tool for fellows and residents. At the same time, it provides a most helpful update on recent practice and technology for all physicians involved in the field of hemodialysis.