Renal replacement therapy. I

Virtually all patients with end-stage renal disease can achieve a better quality of life with renal replacement therapy. Given that a group practice with 10,000 patients may have two dialysis or transplant patients, it is important to know what is on offer. The first stage of renal replacement therapy is dialysis and the principles and problems are discussed here. In the next issue dietary management, drug therapy and the role of transplantation will be considered.