Introduction -- The purpose of the book � understanding the natural history of kidney disease -- how displaying a GFR history is a fundamental part of the clinical assessment of kidney diseases -- how the eGFR graph is used to inform patients and plan treatment.-principles but not details of treatment -- The basics of creatinine measurement and eGFR equations in adults -- Simple guide to the classification of AKI, AKD and CKD -- Stages of CKD � including proteinuria -- The meaning of �stability� in an eGFR graph � variation over time -- Cases -- Section 1: Acute kidney injury � changes over 50% drop, assuming no asymmetry) -- Recurrent AKI leading to CKD -- Section 2: AKD � changes >48 hours 3months -- Patterns of progression � Linear and Non-linear -- Monitoring response to treatment � e.g. immunosuppression for GN, BP control in malignant hypertension -- Section 4: CKD � changes over years -- non-progressive (stable) CKD� - e.g. obstructive uropathy -- progressive CKD � e.g. transplant nephropathy, lithium nephrotoxicity, role of proteinuria as risk marker -- Use of graphs to plan future renal replacement therapy � e.g. linear progression in ADPKD -- Section 5: Acute-on-chronic kidney disease -- Chronic slowly progressive diabetic nephropathy with superimposed acute pathology, e.g. response to ACEI/ARB, contrast nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis -- Transplant rejection -- Pregnancy in women with CKD -- Section 6: Nephrotic syndrome -- GFR, serum albumin and urinary PCR graphs � use to monitor treatment and relapses, and to plan treatment -- Section 7: Other graphs -- 24 hour BP measurement � importance of nocturnal dip and timing of antihypertensives in CKD care -- Diabetes mellitus - HbA1c � colour coding as patient education tool; role of glucose control in preventing diabetic nephropathy (but no impact once CKD established) -- Serum free light chains and myeloma kidney/light chain nephropathy/immune GN -- Conclusions -- eGFR graphs � an essential tool in patient assessment which tells the story of kidney disease -- The role of graphs (eGFR, 24 hour BP, and HbA1c) in patient education and support of self-management -- Role of eGFR graphs in systematic CKD surveillance by renal units and pathology labs � evidence of benefit.

This book provides the essential understanding needed for the assessment of patients with kidney disease. The chapters follow the sequence taken during a clinic consultation and when clerking a patient. At each stage, the principles and concepts underlying aspects of renal medicine that may seem difficult are clearly explained. Understanding Kidney Diseases�includes numerous case studies and charts based upon patients� data to help students, residents and fellows develop their knowledge and skill in managing patients.