Handbook of Dialysis

Doody’s Review Service Review by Sumit Narula, MD (University of Kentucky College of Medicine)This is the fifth edition of a concise, yet comprehensive review of all the modalities of dialysis and associated complications and clinical management. The ebook version that accompanies the book is user friendly and covers most of the information in the book. The goal is to provide a review of the commonly used dialysis modalities and management of associated issues. The book begins with a chapter on evaluation of predialysis patients, followed by thorough discussions of dialysis physiology, various dialysis modalities, and dialysis catheter complications. Finally, it addresses common psychosocial and medical conditions afflicting dialysis patients.This will be an excellent tool for residents, renal fellows, general nephrologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and internists . The book provides con cise yet thorough information on the management of dialysis patients based on current evidence and practice guidelines. It also covers dialysis management in children and during pregnancy and includes a chapter on the management of bone disease. The 40 chapters are divided into four parts. The first part discusses management of advanced CKD patients and their transition into dialysis, renal transplant, or palliative care. The next 18 chapters discuss the basics of hemodialysis and dialysis access, followed by complications. The next part has extensive discussions of peritoneal dialysis, while the final part addresses the medical conditions and psychosocial issues affecting dialysis patients. Each chapter provides a concise though complete description of dialysis with its associated condition with tables and pathological figures where appropriate. All chapters include references and suggested readings. As the name suggests, the handbook delivers precise information on all aspects of dialysis. Simple tables and figures are used appropriately and increase the ease of reading. Although this book is well known in the nephrology community, it will be a useful tool for nurse practitioners and physician assistants for understanding the core concepts of the various modalities of dialysis. Care of dialysis patients requires a multifaceted approach and the handbook serves its purpose by covering all the important aspects that concern dialysis patients. The attempt to compare delivery of dialysis internationally also broadens the knowledge base and deepens understanding of dialysis patient management . I would recommend this book to anyone who aspires to completely grasp the basic as well as advanced concepts for management of dialysis patients.