Author Description

Analgesic nephropathy, first recognized in 1950, was for two decades the most common cause of both acute and chronic renal failure in Australia and parts of Europe. This comprehensive text traces the story of the disease from its early description to its ultimately successful prevention. The etiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment are described by those who have played leading roles in elucidating the nature of the disease, and in persuading society to take effective measures to prevent its occurrence. The second section describes those renal disorders resulting from the use of newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol - disorders which are rising in frequency and may prove more difficult to prevent. Finally, the book considers the urothelial cancers caused by phenacetin-containing headache powders, a late outcome of analgesic abuse. With contributions from a distinguished international group of authors, this is a unique book on a challenging problem. Throughout the text, theory and practice are integrated, and attention is drawn to the valuable lessons gained from the study of the analgesic nephropathies.