This relatively concise book, Nephron Failure, is addressed primarily to the pathophysiology and management of patients with all stages of chronic renal failure. It contains 22 chapters beginning with the authors' perspective concerning the three phases of treatment—"conservation," "substitution," "replacement." Early sections deal effectively with diagnosis, etiology, and pathophysiology of renal failure. Several chapters have particular merit, especially those dealing with the complications of chronic renal failure including those associated with the musculoskeletal, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
The principles of fluid management and nutrition are sound, receive considerable attention, and are presented in a palatable style. Also welcome is excellent material concerning psychiatric problems encountered in patients receiving specialized treatment. While there is emphasis on the concepts of conservation, substitution, and replacement as they apply to the clinical management of patients with chronic renal disease, certain features of other important aspects of nephrology are included. For example, there is