Nephrology

From The Critics

Reviewer: Robert Cunningham, MD(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)
Description: The starting point for each algorithm in this book is a symptom, sign, or laboratory value and following the logical progression leads to the diagnosis and/or the treatment of a number of common conditions in pediatric nephrology that clinicians may encounter.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a rational, stepwise approach to the diagnosis and management of acquired and hereditary kidney diseases, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and other impairments in mineral metabolism.
Audience: The audience includes general and family practitioners, pediatricians, and trainees who are not exposed to problems in pediatric nephrology on a daily basis. The intent is to provide a logical approach to these dilemmas that will provide a thorough and comprehensive evaluation, which will give pediatric nephrologists the necessary data on which a diagnosis and treatment plan can then be based.
Features: The book covers most acquired renal diseases and many electrolyte and mineral metabolism disorders, and includes troublesome complaints such as polyuria. There is also an approach to the evaluation of hypertension, a problem that, in pediatrics, is most often evaluated by a nephrologist. Algorithms are used exclusively, an approach that is most useful in evaluating fluid, electrolyte, and mineral disorders. As such, it seems that the book would be most useful in a hospital as opposed to an office setting.
Assessment: This unique book guides practitioners along in a very logical fashion. It would be a useful addition to the hospitalist's bookshelf and will serve as a ready reference for most problems encountered in the area of pediatric nephrology. Although references are few, they are current, generally review type of articles, and will serve as a guide for further reading.