The Kidney

B. Peter Sawaya

In this comprehensive, detailed, and current textbook all aspects of renal diseases are presented, from bench research to the bedside. This is the sixth edition of an internationally reputable textbook. The fifth edition was published in 1996. The purpose is to provide readers a continuous, comprehensive, and detailed presentation of the knowledge base in nephrology. A major objective for this latest edition is to cite and integrate many of the newly published discoveries in the context of prior understanding. Of course, this book is a ""standard"" for many clinical nephrologists and nephrology trainees. But it also contains a wealth of basic science information that is valuable to many scientists who have interest in the function and the structure of the kidney including, but not limited to, renal physiologists, pathologists, and immunologists. One hundred and thirty-seven authors contributed to this comprehensive textbook. All are well-respected experts in their fields. This two-volume textbook represents an exhaustive and up-to-date review of all aspects of the kidney in health and in disease. The chapters on renal physiology, ultrastructure of the kidney, and the developmental biology of the kidney have always been a forte of this general textbook in nephrology. The quality of the photographs is excellent. The quantity of tables and diagrams is appropriate with very little redundancy. The index is comprehensive and well organized. The references are inclusive, pertinent, and relatively recent. This book remains a classic. Compared to prior editions, I see improvement in this new edition. The organization of the chapters and the flow of topics have improved. Also,contributors are more committed to provide specific recommendations, which is very helpful to readers. The depth of coverage remains remarkable. In the few areas where further discussion may be desired (i.e., specific management issues, transplantation and dialysis), new companion books are designed specifically for that purpose. This textbook is essential to all nephrologists, nephrology trainees, and scientists interested in the kidney. I cannot imagine any medical library without this textbook on its shelves.

Karen Ann Griffin

This fifth edition has seven new chapters, 12 completely rewritten chapters, and 41 chapters extensively revised and updated since the fourth edition was published in 1991. Each chapter has been written by authors considered to be experts in their respective fields and who have made substantial contributions to our understanding of these areas of nephrology. This two-volume set provides a comprehensive source of information containing state-of-the-art discussions of the basic physiology and pathophysiology of the kidney. This book has already been established as a classic in nephrology and serves as an excellent reference source for anyone in the field, ranging from the student to the clinical nephrologist to those in the related fields of pediatrics and urology. The current edition has more than 12,000 illustrations and tables and approximately 35,000 references that have been published through 1995. It is well organized and continues to be divided into five major headings, with each chapter being organized into subheadings to improve readability as has been done successfully in previous editions. This is a high-quality, readable text for anyone seeking information related to the normal physiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of diseases of the kidney. In addition, this edition contains new chapters ranging from cellular to gerontologic aspects of renal function. These updates certainly make purchasing the fifth edition worthwhile. This book is useful for individual purchase and for a reference in the library. It should be made available in academic bookstores.

From The Critics

Reviewer: Brent W. Miller, MD(Washington University School of Medicine)
Description: This CD-ROM duplicates Brenner and Rector's two volume nephrology textbook, The Kidney, 6th edition, using a Netscape Communicator format available for Windows 95/98/NT and Apple Macintosh 7.6 and higher.
Purpose: The application runs from the disc, but installing it on the drive dramatically improves performance. The book itself is a classic. It is voluminous with over 135 contributors including respected international authorities and encompasses every aspect of nephrology. The sixth edition accomplishes this much better than the previous two editions. Every chapter is impeccably referenced. Several excellent, comprehensive books are on the market, and this is one of them.
Audience: The intended audience is nephrologists, nephrology fellows, and any healthcare professional interested in a comprehensive review of nephrology.
Features: The search engine is improved but still mediocre. If users know that a topic is covered, it is easy to find the area. However, if users search for a topic like "adenosine and renal hemodynamics," they should be prepared to wade through some irrelevant hits. The figures occasionally appear washed out, but are easy to print. Running the program without an Internet connection also requires an annoying change in the TCP/IP connection each time.
Assessment: What role does this CD-ROM version fill? For nephrologists or fellows who do not sit down and read chapters at a time, this will work alone. The Netscape format will be familiar to most who use the Internet. To take full advantage of the features such as links to PubMed abstracts, a fast laptop with enough hard drive space and an Internet connection is probably preferable. However, users should be facile with search engines or the experience will be frustrating.

3 Stars from Doody