An up-to-the-minute broad based review, Stephen Fadem's Issues in Dialysis, is a very readable and enjoyable book for anyone who cares for renal patients. While academically complete, the compilation is still very practical and is recommended for the spectrum of medical students, residents and fellows, as well as community practice and academic nephrologists.
Starting with the history of dialysis, Dr Fadem gives us a fascinating personal tour (including some photographs he himself took) of how this lifesaving practice came into being. This is followed with contributions from some of the leading minds in Nephrology today, such as Richard Glassock, Keith Hruska, William Mitch, Thomas Golper, Christopher Blagg, Michael Germain, Susan Bray, and Martin Schreiber to name but a few. This ambitious collection covers an update on the different renal replacement therapies, including how to choose among them, an insider's look at home dialysis from the mecca of Seattle, pediatric hemodialysis, discriminating among extended criteria donor kidneys, CAPD vs APD, and even Dr Gura's innovative Wearable Artificial Kidney. Ethical issues in dialysis are covered as well by Dr Bray in her chapter on inappropriate dialysis candidates. A variety of important topical subjects are then covered which will engage any clinician. Volume control , muscle wasting, immune dysregulation and hypoalbuminemia in the dialysis patient are each thoroughly researched and reviewed. Dr Hruska's insights on Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder and vascular calcification are fascinating and concerning. The update on anemia management is essential in today's litigious environment in light of the controversies and FDA warnings that surround erythopoietin stimulating agents. The research presented by Drs. Yen, Lin-Tan and Lin on heavy metals will surprise even the most experienced clinician and may change our practice patterns. The book winds down with coverage of dialysis adequacy, AV fistulas, cardiac surgery in the ESRD patient, HRQOL assessment, and integrated care of the dialysis patient.
I recommend Issues in Dialysis highly as an enjoyable way for responsible clinicians to keep up to date and provide the finest care for their renal patients.