To you the reader, the joy of discovery begins, for We continue in our goal of providing a text which us the job is done. In this edition, we have corrected is useful, not only to the clinician, but of equal interest past deficiencies, added new topics, expanded infor- to the investigator. The selection of content has been mation regarding the pediatric age group, provided directed at topics of current interest rather than those up to date (March 2003) references, while remaining of historic contribution. We have stressed the cont- true to our concept of a multi-national author book. bution of cell biology and pathophysiology, were it We continue to believe that scientific information is an exists, believing it provides both a better understa- international commodity whose interpretation and ap- ing of toxic injury when known, and a rational dir- plication are strongly influenced by both the cultural tion for therapy and prevention. and ethnic background of the observer. The oppor- nity to share in the rich diversity of the international We are encouraged by the accumulation of rec- scientific community remains a fundamental goal of nized risk factors, which allow pre-treatment strati- this endeavor. To participate as equals leads to mu- cation of our patients’ relative risk and allow us to - tual respect and peer appreciation. The sharing of in- cus our preventative techniques on the individuals tellectual resources fostered by this effort should and most likely to gain the greatest benefit.
Clinical Nephrotoxins: Renal Injury from Drugs and Chemicals is a comprehensive handbook on all aspects of adverse effects by drugs and chemical substances on the kidneys. The importance of the toxicity of drugs and other substances for the kidneys is increasingly recognized.
The first, general part deals with themes as clinical relevance, renal handling, pharmacovigilance, urinary biomarkers, pharmacological, immunological and cellular aspects of nephrotoxicity, as well as animal and cell culture models. The second part includes the specific drugs; the third part gives the description of environmental and occupational nephrotoxins. The last part deals with the patient with some degree of renal failure, exposed to drugs and chemicals, the progression of renal disease, and how to adapt drug dosage.
In this third and completely revised edition, nine new chapters were added, from proton pump inhibitors to bisphosphonates, phosphate containing laxatives, oxalate, star fruit and smoking. All chapters were extended with up-to-date references.
The book is of interest for the nephrologist, internist, general practitioner, toxicologist, pharmacologist, anesthesiologist, epidemiologist, public health official, pharmaceutical industry, and national drug safety committees, among others.
