Conservative management of chronic kidney disease. How to avoid or defer dialysis

This volume is dedicated to the conservative management of uremic patients, with a comprehensive presentation of topics including the beneficial effects of proteinuria reduction; the well-established utility of low-protein diet implementation; the detrimental effects associated with hyperphosphatemia; and the fundamentals of the sodium and fluid management in this population. Other innovative themes include the critical function of a balanced intestinal microbiota in reducing uremic toxic burden, and the use of novel intestinal adsorbents that interfere with the absorption of uremic toxins. Last but not least, the key role played by angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in preserving kidney function via an independent of optimal blood pressure control. Internists and nephrologists have the opportunity to utilize these interventions as tools in their armamentarium in an effort to avoid or defer the initiation of dialysis in advanced chronic kidney disease patients progressing towards end-stage renal disease.