Renal Disease in Children

The clinical specialty of adult nephrology has enjoyed spectacular growth during the past three decades. Such a statement is no less true for pediatric nephrology. This book stands in quiet testimony to that fact. Practitioners of pediatric nephrology are now concerned with the diagnosis and treat­ ment of young patients with a widened spectrum of primary and sec­ ondary diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, hypertension and disorders of water, electrolyte and acid-base metabolism. Their science, deriving from an exciting blend of physiology, morphology, pathology, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and pharmacology, must also include an understanding of human developmental biology­ an insight that colleagues who practice adult nephrology require to a somewhat lesser extent. Dramatic, continuing advances in our understanding of the pathogen­ esis, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases has led to a cascade of books and monographs on various aspects of the subject. Nevertheless, in view of the clear emergence of pediatric nephrology as a distinct medical specialty, it is most appropriate that a practical book, which focuses almost exclusively on approaches to the evaluation and diagnosis of young patients with kidney disease and related disorders, should appear. In that sense this book is unique. It provides an easily accessible, practical compendium or guide to the clinical investigation of all facets of kidney disease in children. Its special and unique emphasis is directed toward various approaches to the evaluation of such patients and the interpretation of associated laboratory or radiographical data.

1. Introduction to the Diagnosis of Renal Disease and Guidelines for Patient Referral.- 2. History and Physical Examination of the Child with Renal Disease.- 3. The Urine and Urinary Sediment.- 4. The Role of the Chemistry Laboratory in the Clinical Study of Renal Disease.- 5. Clinical Testing and Evaluation of Glomerular Function.- 6. Imaging of the Kidney and Urinary Tract.- 7. The Kidney Biopsy.- 8. Hematuria and Proteinuria.- 9. Urinary Tract Infection.- 10. Glomerular Disease.- 11. Clinical Study of Renal Tubular Disease.- 12. Water and Electrolyte Disturbances.- 13. Acid-Base Disturbances.- 14. Acute Renal Failure.- 15. Chronic Renal Failure.- 16. Hypertension.- 17. Urological Workup of the Child with Renal and Urinary Tract Disease.- 18. Renal Calculi.- 19. Clinical Evaluation of the Kidney in Systemic and Collagen Diseases.- 20. Renal Transplantation.- 21. Prenatal Diagnosis of Renal and Urinary Tract Abnormalities.- 22. The Role of Early Diagnosis and Intervention in the Prevention of Kidney Disease.- 23. The Use of Computers in Clinical Nephrology.- Appendix I: Reference Intervals.- Appendix II: Formulas.- Appendix III: Curves.- Appendix IV: Conditions and Syndromes Associated with Renal Abnormalities.