Critical Care Nephrology

Internists, surgeons, critical care physicians and nephrologists all treat critically ill patients with renal failure and the multiple system organ dysfunction syndrome. A comprehensive review of the topic is provided in this text. It addresses the following: definitions of critical illness; epidemiology; monitoring and diagnostic procedures; pathophysiology of organ systems in relation to kidney function; concepts of renal physiologic and pathologic responses to various derangements; oxygen transport and cardiovascular adaptations; hemodynamic parameters; respiratory parameters; mechanical ventilation and cardiac support; and severity score parameters. The book is also devoted to all forms of acute renal failure with specific reference to intensive care patients. The nature of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is discussed with special emphasis on the impact of different organs dysfunction and kidney failure. Kidney function and acute renal failure in patients with kidney, liver and heart transplants is also considered, as well as acute illness occurring in chronic hemodialysis patients. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic interventions and treatment procedures. Different forms of organ support are discussed including liver, lung and cardiac therapy.