Treatment of Primary Glomerulonephritis

Book excerpt: Primary glomerulonephritis is a common renal disease which may eventually lead to chronic renal failure. Treatment of glomerulonephritis is difficult. In particular the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs require expertise, knowledge of the drugs, and careful monitoring of the patient. Paradoxically, the treatment of glomerulonephritis has become even more complicated in the recent years, after the introduction of a number of newer immunosuppressive drugs. Extensively updated since publication of the first edition in 1997, this comprehensive yet concise guide to the treatment of even the most complex patients with primary glomerular diseases is full of practical information collected and organized in an easy-to-read manner. It encompasses the possible treatments of the different types of primary glomerulonephritis, including diseases intrinsic to the kidney of unknown or uncertain aetiology. Each of the main chapters is devoted to a single primary glomerulonephritis and follows a similar format to allow easy access of information. The book contains not only an evidence-based review of the topic, but also practical recommendations from internationally recognized experts in the field.