Rheumatology and the Kidney

This book provides up to date information on disorders that affect the kidneys as well as the joints. These disorders often affect several systems in the body and many have an immunological basis. The majority of chapters in this book focus on specific diseases and examine their aetiology, pathogenesis, immunological basis and pathology. In addition the clinical features, current approaches to treatment and outcome are described. Overall these chapters provide a balanced view of current understanding of these conditions. The major syndromes of Rheumatologic diseases reviewed include Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, the Vasculitides (including Wegener's granulomatosis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Microscopic polyangiitis, Churg Strauss Syndrome, Takayasu's disease and Henoch-Schonlein Purpura, and Systemic Sclerosis. Other Chapters cover amyloidosis and Hepatitis B and C associated systemic disease. Finally there are chapters on the nephrotoxicity of drugs used in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases and also on rheumatologic complications following renal transplantation. The information in the book is up to date and brings together in a concise manner information that is otherwise widely scattered in the literature. This book should appeal to nephrologists and rheumatologists as well as all those interested in the care of patients with systemic autoimmune disorders.