Primer on Kidney Diseases : Review

Here I am reviewing one of the best books in kidney diseases knowledge.

It is the fifth edition of Primer on Kidney Disease by National Kidney Foundation.

Dr. Arthur Greenberg is the editor. Associate editors include Drs Alfred Cheung, Thomas Coffmen, Ronald Falk, and Charles Jennette.

Contents :

The book is devided into 11 sections. Each section is composed of a few chapters and each chapter provides concise basic knowledge foundation regarding kidney diseases. It is well-written by authoritative experts in the fields. Each chapter is about 5-10 pages of all ever important information.

The goal of the Primer as stated in the Preface section of the book is "to provide a comprehensive but accessible summary of kidney and electrolyte disorders suitable for students, residents, fellows and practitioners".

I have been using this book (earlier edition) since my time as a medical student and then a resident and a fellow. I remembered using it for the first time really opened my eyes and insight into how to understand the complexity of kidney diseases. Now I go back to the newest edition of the book when I need to review some basic understanding of particular topics. The authors and editors did a great job of updating the book with comprehensive information while maintaining the manageable size and thickness of the book.

Contents in the book are as follows;

Section I : Structure and function of the Kidneys and their clinical assessment

• Overview of kidney function and structure
• Clinical evaluation of kidney function
• Urinalysis
• Hematuria and proteinuria
• Imaging the kidneys

Section II : Acid-Base, fluid, and electrolyte disorders

• Hyponatremia and hypo-osmolar disorders
• Hypernatremia
• Metabolic acidosis
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis
• Approach to acid-base disorders
• Disorders of potassium
• Disorders of calcium and phosphorus
• Disorders of magnesium and homeostasis
• Edema and the cllinical use of diuretics

Section III : Glomerular diseases

• Glomerular clinicopathologic syndromes
• Minimal change nephrotic syndrome
• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• Membranous nephropathy
• Immunoglobulin A nephropathy and related disorders
• Goodpasture's syndrome and other anti-glomerular basement membrane disease

Section IV : The kidney in systemic disease

• Postinfectious glomerulonephritis
• Kidney involvement in systemic vasculitis
• Renal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
• Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy
• Management of Diabetic nephropathy
• Dysproteinemias and amyloidosis
• Thrombotic microangiopathies
• Kidney disorders in human immunodeficiency virus infection
• Kidney function in congestive heart failure
• Renal function in liver disease

Section V : Acute kidney injury

• Pathophysiology of acute kidney injury
• Clinical approach to the diagnosis of acute renal failure
• Kidney function impairment caused by therapeutic agents
• Cholesterol atheroembolic kidney disease
• Myoglobinuric and hemoblobinuric acute kidney injury
• Management of acute kidney injury

Section VI: Drugs and the kidney

• Anagesics and the kidney
• Principles of drug therapy in patients with reduced kidney function

Section VII : Hereditary kidney disorders

• Genetically based renal transport disorders
• Sickle cell nephropathy
• Polycystic and other cystic kidney disease
• Nephronophthisis and medullary cystic kidney disease
• Alport's syndrome

Section VIII : Tubulointerstitial nephropathies and disorders of the urinary tract

• Acute and chronic tubulointerstitial disease
• Obstructive uropathy
• Nephrolithiasis
• Urinary tract infection

Section IX : The kidney in special circumstances

• The kidney in infants and children
• The kidney in pregnancy
• The kidney in aging

Section X : Chronic kidney disease and its therapy

• Pathophisiology of chronic kidney disease
• Staging and management of chronic kidney disease
• Hemodialysis and hemofiltration
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Outcome of end-stage renal disease therapies
• Nutrition and kidney disease
• Bone disorders in chronic kidney disease
• Cardiac function and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease
• Hematologic manifestations of chronic kidney disease
• Endocrine and neurologic manifestations of chronic kidney disease
• Selection of prospective kidney transplant recipients
• Post-transplantation monitoring and outcomes

Section XI : Hypertension

• Pathogenesis of hypertension
• Evaluation and management of hypertension
• Secondary hypertension

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Positive features of Primer on Kidney Diseases

1: Concise comprehensive knowledge on all aspects of kidney disorders that any health care providers should know. This is done without referring to too many references that most likely will cause distraction and confusions.

2. Binding is perfect. Although it is a paperback, it likely can last long without abuse.

3. Paper quality is great. All pages are glossy, picture-quality type.

4. Illustrations, graphics and color use make it easy for the eye and retention after reading. All illustrations are in color.

5. Font size is jut about right. Not too big and makes the book thick and heavy and not too small to cause eye strain.

Cons : none

I highly recommend this book for anyone in medical field who would like to grasp the strong foundation in knowledge for kidney diseases and hypertension.

Paperback: 624 pages

Publisher: Saunders; 5th edition (February 19, 2009)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches