Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health problem, affecting nearly one in seven adults in the United States alone. It is a disease that integrates chronic illness at several levels, and the progressive condition is associated with high rates of co-morbidity. 

This text provides a comprehensive, current state-of-the art review of this field, serving as a valuable resource for primary care providers and non-nephrology clinicians that treat patients with CKD. It is comprised of 24 chapters focused on specific aspects of the disease. The first 2 chapters provide a bit of background on the disease, describing the anatomy and physiology of the kidney as well as the definition and epidemiology of the disease. The following 3 chapters discuss the detection, prevention and progression of the disease. The next 6 chapters describe the relationship of the disease with other conditions and most common co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. The chapters, that follow focus on the CKD associated complications and the CKD within special populations such as the elderly and minorities as well as dietary restrictions and drug dosing. The book concludes with discussion on preparation for renal replacement therapy and preemptive organ transplantation as an alternative to dialysis in the management of the advanced CKD. 

Written by experts in the field, Approach to Chronic Kidney Disease is a comprehensive guide for clinicians, especially primary care providers including residents and fellows in training, who take care of chronic kidney disease patients. It is also a useful tool for researchers dealing with this challenging field. 

Renal Physiology for Primary Care Clinicians.-  State of the Care Definition and Epidemiology of CKD.- Screening Tests for CKD Detection.- Prevention of CKD and Retarding the Progression of CKD.- Progression of CKD and Uremic Symptoms.- Diabetic Kidney Disease.- Hypertensive Kidney Disease.- Infection Related Kidney Disease.- Hepatorenal Syndrome.- Lupus Nephritis.- Onco-Nephrology.- Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease: Electrolyte and Acid - Base Disorders.- Anemia in chronic kidney disease.- CKD - Mineral and Bone Disorder.- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.- CKD in Elderly: Do old kidneys behave differently.- CKD in Non-Renal Solid Organ Transplantation.- CKD and Pregnancy.- CKD in Minorities: Non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics Asians Indian Americans.- Nutrition in CKD.- Drug Dosing in CKD: Polypharmacyand Nephrotoxicity.- Use of Iodinated and Gadolinium Containing Contrast Media in CKD.- Preparation for Renal Replacement Therapy.- Pre-emptive Kidney Transplant:  An Alternative to Dialysis.